Does Catastrophic Steering Loss Happen?
 

On a full hydraulic dual ram system? A recent issue of Power & Motoryacht magazine had a story about a stepped hull go-fast type boat that was cruising at 30 mph when the driver started to make a turn the steering suddenly went to full lock turn and spun out and ejected everyone in the boat. He blamed a cracked plastic washer on the helm. Is this even possible? If a hose bursts can the steering suddenly go to full turn? This is kind of scary. I suspect the driver in the story was going over 30 but what if he were going 80 and a steering hose bursts. What will happen?

Edit: Here is the story.
http://i763.photobucket.com/albums/x...psbdmv81bt.jpg

YES, the steering can "blow out" and cause an issue. I had my steering go out at around 70 in rough water while testing (race boat) and the boat cartwheeled. This is NOT common and nothing to worry about in typical conditions with a pleasure boat. I would guess its similar to a tire blowing out. I can happen, but not very often.

Yes. I have burst a hose and lost steering. Fortunately was able to feel the pressure loss before it was too late. Ultimately lost all steering. It is rare, but I do pay attention to my steering hoses now!

That's what I was thinking is that you would get some warning as you lost steering fluid and pressure. Not a sudden loss of all steering control.

I subscribe to the magazine but can't find the article online. Here it is. Doesn't sound possible to me.
http://i763.photobucket.com/albums/x...psbdmv81bt.jpg

Were all these boat single engines? Wonder if the counter actiing force of the other one would slow the want to slam to lock

When a hydraulic helm loses fluid there is no "lock"

I heard that was caused by a blown hydraulic hose

Scary.

That wiĺl buff out...