Tom.B
Moderator Emeritus
- Joined
- Jul 30, 2009
- Messages
- 5,839
- Location
- USA
- Vessel Name
- Skinny Dippin'
- Vessel Make
- Navigator 4200 Classic
So it you followed my last thread about the broad brush statement about electronics I saw on YouTube, I have another question about what I saw on the very next Sailing Uma video I want to ask about.
They were installing the hydraulic ram for their autopilot and they are using B&G components. I saw the ram he was installing had the hydraulic pump attached TO the ram. In other words, it was an all-in-one unit that does not require dozens of feet of hydraulic tubing filled with oil running thru the boat. No pump under the helm and lots of fittings that are, in my mind, lots of points of failure.
Is that even possible on a boat with hydraulic steering or will we always be forced to use a pump at(under) the helm? I guess the big question is: Can the rudders position be manipulated while maintaining a hydraulic helm as an independent system or will it blow out the hydraulics? Moreover, could the helm be converted to an electric helm to get around this? Is that even a thing?
Just curious. Thanks.
They were installing the hydraulic ram for their autopilot and they are using B&G components. I saw the ram he was installing had the hydraulic pump attached TO the ram. In other words, it was an all-in-one unit that does not require dozens of feet of hydraulic tubing filled with oil running thru the boat. No pump under the helm and lots of fittings that are, in my mind, lots of points of failure.
Is that even possible on a boat with hydraulic steering or will we always be forced to use a pump at(under) the helm? I guess the big question is: Can the rudders position be manipulated while maintaining a hydraulic helm as an independent system or will it blow out the hydraulics? Moreover, could the helm be converted to an electric helm to get around this? Is that even a thing?
Just curious. Thanks.