Need new steering!

[closehaul]

Russ, I am engaged in converting my 26X to hyd steer with Raymarine EV-150 autopilot. Tony has his system up and running so is more concrete advice, but I offer my research/design for your consideration.

I am purchasing helm and cylinder thru SeaTechMarineProducts.com
Helm (Sea Star HH5272-4 (or 5224-4 ss shaft) 39 cc/rev handpump) - the -4 version has upgraded checks (not sure what Vevor has).
Cylinder (Sea Star HC5313-3 balanced rod cylinder with 136 cc swept volume). I have received this cyl and am in phase of mounting on 26X.
I plan to purchase Raymarine autopilot components thru GPSStore.com
Raymarine evolution EV150 package (GPSStore #RAT70330B (includes 1000cc/min pump and rudder feedback sensor). I may try to get GPSStore to swap the Autohelm display from p70Rs (rotary input) for a p70s (button input).

Current cable drive steering is 2.75 turns L to L. The new Hyd steering will be 3.5 turns L to L with manual input (still want single finger steering effort and the hyd system has ~80% torque efficiency so needs more turns) and 7.35 deg/sec in auto (this feels about right for autohelm & auto tacking functions). While drilling holes I plan to implement some Ackerman steering geometry to make tacking more efficient (less rudder scrub).

I also will miss the lee/weather helm feel - but am tired of trying to single hand with a bungee cord to hold the helm steady. Project is ~$4k for all materials but will enhance my sailing experiences (and provide a lot of fun designing and building). In perspective: $4k is equivalent to ~10 days in a nursing home - enjoy life NOW. Closehaul

[Russ]

The added ability to use the hydraulic Autopilot is another benefit. I hate hate hate the looks of the donut on the wheel.

I suspect many of these systems are made by the same manufacturer and marketed with different brands. They sure look identical to me.

Tony has successfully installed it on his 26X and it looks great. I'm trying to figure out how to return the steering controls to the rudders from that ram device.

I found this video as well. He has some good tips. The drilling of the hole is one I can use in other places in life. Bleeding the system he made a loop and just rocked the wheel back and forth until the bubbles were gone.

[kurz]

sounds cool to have an AP that turns the OB also.

Just to remember: Do not ferget BOATs Autopilot install with the ev-100, tiller installed under deck.

I use the system for many years now and I am happy with it.