Power Steering System

Steering today's high horse power luxury yachts and commercial boats all too often challenges the helmsman's physical endurance and cruising enjoyment.

The SeaStar Power Steering System was designed specifically to meet this challenge, representing the ultimate in comfort, simplicity, safety and reliability. Superior design and selection of materials, precision manufacturing and rigid quality control all add up to an outstanding rugged product, continuing the SeaStar tradition.

The SeaStar open center Power Steering system has been designed to steer commercial and pleasure boats, requiring a maximum output force of 10,308 lbsf or 45,852 Newtons, or a maximum torque of 66,130 in-lbs or 7,472 Newton meters. If uncertain of your application, or you have special requirements, refer to the SeaStar power steering brochure or consult the factory.

All power steering system components have been designed to the highest standards possible. Please ensure that components not purchased from Teleflex are of the highest quality possible, and are compatible with Teleflex equipment.

 

SYSTEM COMPONENTS

SeaStar hydraulic power steering uses the ships engine(s) to provide the "POWER" for the power steering system, via an engine or electric motor driven hydraulic pump.

A manual hydraulic steering system consisting of a standard SeaStar helm and a hydraulic steering cylinder, (fitted with an integral servo cylinder and a power steering valve) supplies the "control" portion of the power steering system.

Under normal conditions, with engines running, a hydraulic oil supply is in a stand-by mode, ready to be directed to the steering cylinder as dictated by the steering wheel, servo cylinder and power steering valve.

Turning the steering wheel left or right causes the power system to go from 'stand-by' into 'operating' mode and moves the steering cylinder accordingly.

In the event of a power source failure, hydraulic oil is automatically pumped directly from the steering helm into the servo and steering cylinder, providing the helmsman with manual back-up steering.

An engine room mounted oil reservoir allows easy system fill and assists the in-line oil cooler in cooling the hydraulic oil. An in-line oil filter helps protect the steering system components against contaminants.

Cylinder Selection Guide

 

All* Larger 2.5" cylinder bore than HC5801-2 and HC5802

All boats over 70' should have steering loads reviewed by factory.

Basic System Selection Information

Fluid/Oil

System designed to use SeaStar Oil (Mil spec H5606) or Dexron II (ATF) if using 1250V or 1275V helms.

Hose and Tube

Recommend 100R1 for power circuit, 5/16" ID hose or tube for manual circuit.
* If using 1/4" ID tube, runs should be short and SeaStar oil must be used.

Autopilot

An autopilot designed for use with hydraulic steering may be tied into your SeaStar steering system at any convenient point in the helm lines.

Installing shut-off valves in hydraulic lines running from autopilot pump set to steering system lines will simplify trouble shooting and servicing at a later time if necessary.

Autopilot selection must be compatible with oil used in your SeaStar steering system.

Autopilot power pack shaft seal must be able to withstand 30 psi. Contact Teleflex for compatibility information.

Refer to Autopilot section of web site for additional information.