The choice of a hydraulic steering
Whether it is an outboard or inboard propulsion system (speedboat or sailboat), hydraulic steering can be used. This allows you to have several helm stations, a more powerful motorization and an unequalled flexibility at the wheel.
A hydraulic steering system consists of a hand pump (which is activated by turning the steering wheel), a pipe that carries hydraulic oil (high-pressure hoses) and finally a cylinder that turns the engine or rudder.
Criteria for choosing a hydraulic steering system
To determine a suitable hydraulic steering system, 8 questions must be answered:
- Outboard or inboard?
The system that allows an outboard motor to run is not going to be the same as the one used
to act on a rudder, whether it is a boat or a sailboat. - Total power of the motorization ?
This motor power will determine the size of the cylinder and the pump to be used according to the force required. At LS, we have a simple nomenclature that indicates the maximum power supported (e.g. LS125 for 125 HP). We always choose the kit with the same or higher power. - Number of engines ?
If we have several motors, we add the power of all the motors to know the power of the steering cylinder. Except if we have a bimotorization with counter-rotation (see just after) - If bimotorization, do we have counter-rotation?
In case of bimotorisation with counter-rotation, one takes into account the power of a motor to which one adds 20% to determine the size of the jack. (Ex 2 x 100 hp in counter-rotation, we choose the kit 100 + 20% = 120 or the kit LS125). - Make of the motorization ?
For outboard motors, there are adaptations of the cylinder on some motors of different brands.
Note that for inboard engines it is not the engine that determines the actuator, since it acts on the rudder. It is essential to know the rudder area and its trim value in order to enter them into the Lecomble and Schmitt calculation table and choose the most suitable option. - Maximum speed of the boat ?
Since the torque on the base or rudder changes with speed, it is important to take this into account - How many turns of the wheel do you want to go from one edge to the other?
The handwheel acts on a manual pump. The larger the pump flow, the faster the cylinder will react to go from one edge to the other, so fewer turns of the handwheel. But that means a little more effort on the handwheel. - Number of pilot stations?
Depending on whether you have 1 or 2 control stations, the installation will be different.
The advantages of Lecomble & Schmitt
Lecomble & Schmitt is a French company created in 1947 and based in the South-West (near Bayonne). This company has always been specialized in hydraulics and has a department dedicated to the nautical industry. In addition to hydraulic steering, it also offers electro-hydraulic steering (power steering, or specially dedicated for automatic pilots). Its proximity and its skills allow a better efficiency, that's why the biggest manufacturers have chosen it to equip their boats.
You can choose flexible hoses sold by the meter with connectors that can be easily installed or take the more aesthetic, but more restrictive option of ordering factory crimped fittings.
You will also find all the useful accessories to finalize your steering such as hydraulic oil or the very intelligent system that allows the bleeding in a few minutes by a single person (saving time and money).
The entire LS line is available at VDM-Reya.
