Check out this Hydraulic Steering
12-29-2011, 03:33 PM
#21
Registered
That's actually an oil accumulator, it looks like it's plumed to the exhaust, but it's not. The yellow is the handle for the valve. Those pipes do look dry, but there's no way they would have lasted 10 sec. with those rubber hoses so they must be water jacketed.
Gold Member
12-30-2011, 02:44 PM
#29
Registered
iTrader: (2)
That appears to be simply a Steering Stabilizer, same as used originally on the steering of most modern 4WD pickups and Jeeps. The purpose is basically a 2 way shock adsorber(same dampening effect in both directions) for the steering system to absorb the impact/jolting/jarring of the steering wheel (and rest of the steering components) over rough terrain like hitting a rock with the front tire etc.
In theory this makes sense for a boat non-hydraulic steering system and even more so on a non power assisted system.
With a properly valved stabilizer it could make for safer and more stable steering on a boat (again, Non-hydraulic and/or power, etc)...could even extend the life of sterndrive bearings etc by reducing shock loads on them. Heck could also be a safety device and could help prevent loss of control (to some extent) in the event of a total steeering loss situation.
Honestly I have been surprised that these type systems have not been used more often over the years, or at least attempted...BUT, keeping it real, but the time you spent the money on such a system that would actually be effective (never seen one yet)...you could almost have bought at least a single ram hydraulic steering system. Of course nothing can take the place of real hydraulic steering, I quess this is why these stabilizer systems are not very common.
As far as the rest of the boat and especially the pricing....well. my Mama told me "If I can't say something good..... :-) LOL
In theory this makes sense for a boat non-hydraulic steering system and even more so on a non power assisted system.
With a properly valved stabilizer it could make for safer and more stable steering on a boat (again, Non-hydraulic and/or power, etc)...could even extend the life of sterndrive bearings etc by reducing shock loads on them. Heck could also be a safety device and could help prevent loss of control (to some extent) in the event of a total steeering loss situation.
Honestly I have been surprised that these type systems have not been used more often over the years, or at least attempted...BUT, keeping it real, but the time you spent the money on such a system that would actually be effective (never seen one yet)...you could almost have bought at least a single ram hydraulic steering system. Of course nothing can take the place of real hydraulic steering, I quess this is why these stabilizer systems are not very common.
As far as the rest of the boat and especially the pricing....well. my Mama told me "If I can't say something good..... :-) LOL
12-30-2011, 03:03 PM
#30
