power steering -- hydraulic steering
 

at the risk of showing my ignorance -- and i do so well :)


what is the difference between hydraulic and power steering -- or are they the same.

This is in reference to the other thread "upgrade steering or not"

and everyone was stating to definitely go with hydraulic.

isn't power steering common on most boats? I have only owned two and they both had it a 96 chris craft concept and my current 24 pantera.


and power steering using fluid pumped by a pump -- hence it is technically hydaulic ?

Power steering simply indicates that an engine mounted hydraulic pump that assists in turning the drive. A mechanical, full hydraulic, or add on hydraulic system can all use power assist. It just makes the wheel easier to turn.

Most standard systems have a mechanical linkage to an internal actuator on the drives tiller arm. A power steering pump provides pressure to an intenal "ram" that eases the effort in turning the wheel. This is similar to power steering on a car.

Hydraulic generally refers to a full hydraulic steering system. The steering wheel turns a hydraulic pump (helm). This pushes fluid to 1 or more internal or external rams which move the drive. Power assist can be added to this.

There are also "add on" systems which utilize the standard mechanical linkage and power assist. They add external rams to the power steering assist plumbing which move the drive. The external rams provide a stronger linkage in moving the drive as compared to levering it around on the little internal tiller arm.
My $0.02
Gary

A valve body is located at the helm on a full hydraulic system. The pump is always on the engine.

This is a pic of my boat with the Lathem hyd steering. The 2 hyd rams connected to the rear of the outdrive do the turning. All the turning forces are applied directly to the drive at the most secure point. Also the rams will support the drive under extreme conditions. Consider it a power assisted hyd steering.

A standard power steering will not have these external rams. This is the type of steering you will find on most family type boats. Most boats today all have power steering anymore, 'cept for maybe some 4 cyl models. The steering linkage is inside the boat. The amount af leverage applied to that design makes for a weak point. If it breaks...........pray!

i gotcha now


thanks for the clarification

This link may help:

http://www.imcomarine.com/pages/nev-steeringsys.html