Hydraulic Boat Steering

Hydraulic Boat Steering: The Basics

Hydraulic boat steering systems provides you more control over your system which allows for easy steering out on the water. This makes it easier to pass other boats, avoid hazards, and turn your vessel around.

These kind of marine steering controls make controlling your vessel a breeze. A power steering system is perfect for large and high speed boats where precision and maneuverability are key.

A boat’s hydraulic steering system utilizes hoses, a helm pump, and hydraulic steering cylinders.

Hydraulic boat steering depend on pressurization for efficient operation. When you begin to turning the steering wheel, a helm pumps hydraulic steering fluid through the lines to the ram. This pushes or pulls the rudder, outboard or sterndrive in the desired direction.

Modern hydraulic systems feature variable assist and responsive feedback mechanism for personalized steering experiences. One of the greatest benefits from this type of hydraulic steering system is the massive reduction in manual effort the captain needs to exert control. This is one the many reasons boats with high torque engines should consider a hydraulic steering system.

Hydraulic Steering Maintenance

Like most things, how you maintain your hydraulic steering system affects how well it performs. At the start of the season, or after 200 hours of use it is recommended to check our your steering system.

Many boaters take their hydraulic steering system for granted until it needs repair. Generally, one of the three components usually is the source of malfunctions.

The three main components are the hydraulic pump which features an integrated oil reservoir. The ram which connects to an outboard engine or rudder. Finally the connecting lines transmit inputs from the steering pump to the steering ram.

Since hydraulic steering depends on hydraulic fluids, one of the key pieces of maintenance you can do is to properly maintain your fluid levels. Regular fluid replacements and system flushes are crucial to preventing cavitation, or air pockets, from forming in your system. These air pockets can cause uneven fluid displacement which can lead to sluggish or unpredictable steering responses.

Leaders in Hydraulic Steering Systems

SeaStar Solutions is one the most well-known and respected manufacturers of boat steering systems. They have a wide range of hydraulic steering products ranging from hydraulic steering helms and cylinders. They offer replacement seal kits to tune up or maintain your existing system. They even have full kits that have all you need to upgrade your system.

The SeaStar Solutions Hydraulic Steering Kit is designed to easily handle Outboard engines at full engine capacity. This kit includes all you need to get setup, including a SeaStar 1.7 helm. All you will need to do is choose the length of hydraulic steering hose for your boat. These systems also meet ABYC standards as well as NMMA certification requirements.

Uflex is an up and comer, offers innovative products of excellent quality. Their products can be found on widely known, and respected boat brands. They have all you need to upgrade or maintain your steering system, including a wide range of boat steering wheels.

The Uflex PROTECH hydraulic steering kit is perfect for most 2-Stroke and 4-Stroke outboards all the way up to 300HP. Their innovative hydraulic steering cylinders are balances, so the number of wheel turns lock-lock is equal either way you turn the wheel.

Wholesale Marine experts can assist you with your boat hydraulic steering system needs. We have all the replacement parts necessary including complete hydraulic steering kits, to individual components including the hydraulic fluid to repair or maintain your system.

Our highly trained customer service representatives are here to give you solid advice. Be sure to ask about our Captain’s Club Rewards Program, to start earning rewards today. We’re here Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and welcome your call at 877-388-2628