Steering and Engine Controls
A Teleflex/Capilano hydraulic steering system, consisting of the following units, is standard:
- Steering pump (wheelhouse) – Capilano 275
- Steering pump (poop deck) – Capilano 275
- Uniflow connection valve – Uniflow 50
- Rudder cylinder – Teleflex Ba 200/7 Tm
Oil Filling
We advise you to check the oil level from time to time (once a month) because of temperature variations and, if necessary, add oil.
An expansion tank is fitted on the aft steering pump. The volume is about 0.2 litres (~half a pint). The oil can be filled through the cap by the aft steering console. Fill until you can see the oil level. The oil volume of the steering system is about 6 l (~1.3 gallons; 1.6 US gallons).
Oil Specification
- Type: Automatic Transmission Oil Suffix A
- Examples:
- Shell Donax TM
- Esso 2974 Suffix A
The oil is the same as the gearbox oil.
The hydraulic steering system has an automatic locking system. If you leave the wheel, the rudder will not move, which is very convenient, especially when changing sails and reversing. The system is equipped with an 80 kp/cm² pressure safety valve.
The standard inventory includes an emergency tiller. The tiller is a steel tube, length about 60 cm, and can be fitted directly to the rudder post. If you have to use the tiller, remember to disconnect the rudder cylinder from the rudder.
Loose Rudder
If the wheel feels “loose” or the boat doesn’t seem to obey the helmsman, it may be due to lacking oil pressure in the steering system.
Stiff Rudder
If, for some reason (e.g., lacking oil amount), the system contains air, the valves won’t work, and the rudder will feel stiff.