hydraulic steering helm
 

Hey guys recently bought a used latham fully hydraulic system. The system was on a 2003 fountain and was a dual ram setup on bravo 1x drives with 496HO motors. I am only using it as a single ram application. i got in touch with latham and the guy was very helpful and informative and mailed me all of the instructions i would need. However he was concerned about the helm portion of the system i have and that it was meant for a dual ram setup and that if i used it as a single ram setup it would work but would cause the boat to steer to fast. The part number of the helm i have is HELM-3714(LMD-7). The part number of the helm he recommends is HELM-3713(LMD-4). my question is what is the difference between the two and is there anyway i can modify the one i have to make it work correctly trying to avoid spending more money. Any help would be great thanks guys.

The difference from the part #'s looks to be the LMD-7 is 7 cubic inches/revolution (volume of fluid displaced per 1 turn of the steering wheel) and the LMD-4 is 4 cubic inches/revolution.
Instead of 3 turns of the steering wheel loc to loc it might be 1.5 turns. 3/4 turn each way from center. You would have to find the volume of you cylinder to get exact #'s.

On my last boat I was using a helm unit specified for dual rams on a single ram system. I thought the steering was fantastic. No issues and very precise.

if it is to fast, you can try changing the outlet fitting on the pump to one that has a smaller hole to reduce the volume...

Try it and see how you like it first. If too "quick" you can change the gerotor section on the back of the helm. Will be be much less expensive than a complete pump. You can get it at a hydraulic supply shop.

Is there a Char-lynn part number on it?

Why not just use both rams????? and keep the helm you have????

the other ram was bent in the fountains accident. thanks for the advice guys think ill instal and see how it feels

you cannot put restriction in 1 line, the system reverses. that's how it goes back and forth. they do make flow valves that function this way. those valves have orifice and by-pass check valve, but $$. others have used these components together, you should be, you should have nice, smooth steering.