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Good morning,
I am considering the change over from my cable steering to a hydraulic system. I would also like to make the system compatible with the integration, installation and operation of a below deck auto pilot. Your comments are appreciated.A few years ago, I applied a non skid deck product “Durabak”. It has not stood the test of time. I would like to hear any feedback on other products. My deck is glass over plywood. I am thinking of a product like “Treadmaster” Comments? Sources?
Thanks,
Peter LeBeau
Hmmm,
Certainly the engineering involved to change over from cable to hydraulic steering is not a show-stopper, but I would question—-why?The Edson manual cable steering is well engineered and if maintained, very reliable. It provides physical feedback needed to balance the helm and get the best performance out of your boat. I would opt to service it and keep it in tip-top shape. Then as a second step, mount a rudder position sensor and a hydraulic ram (or electric/hydraulic linear actuator) to the rudder quadrant below decks. This would then be driven by your autopilot controller of choice. I see several pluses for this arrangement: (1) Redundancy–if your cable steering breaks, you can steer with the autopilot and vice versa if the autopilot fails, steer manually. (2) You can sail your boat better than the autopilot (it least you should)–maintain that capability. (3) You can see what the autopilot is doing — since the actuator drives the quadrant, the cables will still move the wheel and you can watch that. (4) This solution is probably cheaper since you don’t have to pay for a wheel position sensor.
In short, I see no advantage in removing the cable steering. Properly trimmed, your boat will sail itself, hands-off.
I’m also interested in any non-skid comments. Sorry, I have no experience. Thanks for the post.
Peter,
An afterthought. Go back to our homepage and pull up the Feb 2011 Newsletter. You will find a helpful article by Steve Dettman about the installation he did on “Snoodle Time”.
To: Crew Rest,
Thanks for your thoughtful reply. I would agree with your comments, if I had an Edson quadrant/rack steering system. I have what amounts to a looped chain gear at the pedestal that becomes a cable that runs aft through a pulley to the custom tiller arm mounted on the rudder stock head.. The system works but it has always been somewhat “sloppy”.
Right now I have an Edson/yacht specialties pedestal. I would like to build the traditional “Dickerson” pedestal unit that would incorporate an old binnacle I have and I would then have room for a helm pump inside, ahead of the wheel.
Regarding the non skid. I used the durabak and it lasted about 4 years. IT WAS JUST ABOUT IMPOSSIBLE TO KEEP CLEAN. I used white. I think at the time the product did not have the uv inhibitors they claim to have today. I never really liked the rubberized feel from the deck but that is just me. The cost of the Treadmaster may push me in the direction of an acrylic based product called “Kiwigrip” . Cost is comparable to the durabak $ 140 per/gal.
If there is a dimensional sketch of the steering box units used on the 41’s, I would love to see it. I would want the scale and proportion to be correct.
All comments are welcome and thanks.
PeterFor ideas on hydraulics I’d take a look at what’s inside a Whitby 42…They have a couple forums on the web & lots of info on the hydraulic steering system as installed new & that folks have “upgraded”. Only issue is hydraulics are “dead” to feel, but, easy to incorporate autopilot. Whitby seem to have “issues” with steering so there is lots of info out there…
Edson also makes a push/push (or pull/pull..point of view) system you might want to take a look at. Might be easier than hydraulics….nothing to leak.
The issue with the old “Dickerson style” teak box steering pedestals is that you will have to chase down either a bulkhead mount or a dual bearing steering wheel to chain drive assembly and “modify” it to fit. I had an extra bulkhead unit that I just sold…I’m pretty sure they don’t make them anymore (the old style bronze bulkhead mount).
Me…I’d call Edson for a chat. They have always been great to deal with and it’s amazing what “stuff” they have tucked away in their warehouse.
Pedestal sizing is pretty straight forward. As you know, its just a box. If interested I can send dimensions of mine (from a D36). I suspect you could make what ever size “fit” your boat & it would look fine.
Non skid….I’ve heard lots of good things about KiwiGrip. A buddy of mine did an Alberg 35 with it…still in the “repair shed” but looks very nice – water base & easy to apply. I wonder how easy to keep clean…..Folks that have it like it. I’ve asked around about this same subject and the easiest to keep clean is Awlgrip & grip additive – but, a lot of work to apply and the substrate must be able to take 2 part paint..
Fun is!
Mike
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