This Week's Top Stories About dometic
The SeaStar Hydraulic System
High-horsepower/high-speed boating is here and steering systems must perform at maximum capacity. The SeaStar Hydraulic Steering System is designed to provide that extra margin of muscle when needed and easily handles Outboard, Sterndrive and Inboard engines in boats up to 50 feet.
System selection, installation and service is substantially simplified with just three major components – helm, cylinder and tube or hose. SeaStar has a comprehensive range of available cylinders to handle a variety of Outboard, Sterndrive and Inboard steering applications. These are suitable for both pleasure and commercial applications. Extra steering stations and/or autopilots are easily added.
Selecting a System
The objective is to match the steering system to the requirements of the vessel. This depends on four things:
• Type of vessel (i.e.: planing or displacement)
• Type of propulsion system in the vessel (i.e.: Outboard, Sterndrive, Inboard, etc.)
• The number of engines or rudders
• The total power of the engines (i.e.: Horsepower)
Next choose a cylinder that best meets these requirements. Once the cylinder has been selected, the size of the helm pump is predetermined. The options left to specify are:
• The number of steering stations
• Helm configuration (i.e.: standard or tilt helm)
• Additional features such as autopilots
Proceed to the appropriate section of the web site for to make your selections.
Outboard
Sterndrive
Inboard
Notes on hydraulic steering Steering Response versus Steering effort
Steering wheel effort is directly proportional to the number of wheel turns lock to lock. The number of wheel turns lock to lock is dependent on three things:
• The volume of the cylinder
• The displacement of the helm pump
• The allowable movement of the rudder or drive unit
Less wheel turns lock to lock results in more steering effort. More wheel turns lock to lock results in less steering effort. However, additional factors that can influence steering effort are:
• Vessel speed
• Rudder size
• Unusual propellor selections
• Hull type (i.e.: displacement, planing, etc.), and steering wheel size
Recommendations made on this web site are guidelines based on average acceptance of steering effort.
How it Works
The SeaStar Hydraulic Steering System
High-horsepower/high-speed boating is here and steering systems must perform at maximum capacity. The SeaStar Hydraulic Steering System is designed to provide that extra margin of muscle when needed and easily handles Outboard, Sterndrive and Inboard engines in boats up to 50 feet.
System selection, installation and service is substantially simplified with just three major components – helm, cylinder and tube or hose. SeaStar has a comprehensive range of available cylinders to handle a variety of Outboard, Sterndrive and Inboard steering applications. These are suitable for both pleasure and commercial applications. Extra steering stations and/or autopilots are easily added.
SeaStar hydraulic steering is a total commitment to quality, performance and simplicity.
SeaStar, the hydraulic steering system that is:
Easy to install…
Only three components: helm, cylinder & tube or hose
Compact and attractive helm design
Variety of helm mounting configurations
Simple tube/hose fitting connections
Clear, complete installation instructions
Easy to fill and purge…
Engineered bleed fittings on the cylinders
A helm and lock valve design that enhances air removal
A no-mess filler device
A filling and purging time of normally less than 30 minutes
Easy to check for proper installation
Easy purging check via filler device
No searching for difficult-to-find air leaks
Easy to turn…
Anti-friction piston points
Designed to provide many years of service…
Precision built
Heavy-duty bearings instead of bushings
All metal construction
No corrosive materials exposed to marine environment
Field replaceable helm and cylinder shaft seals
A no-hassle warranty – 2 years for pleasure use – 1 year for commercial use
SeaStar! Simply the best!
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
System Components
1-oview1SeaStar manual hydraulic steering systems are simple and efficient. The basic system consists of three main components:
1. the helm pump,
2. the cylinder, and
3. the hose or tubing required to connect the cylinder to the helm pump.
These basic components are necessary in all applications. However as the system variables increase (e.g.: multiple engines, rudders, steering stations and autopilots), additional components may be required.
1. The Helm Unit
The SeaStar helm pump is an axial piston pump specifically designed for manual steering. It has a built-in lock valve to prevent the steering load from feeding back to the driver. The lock valve will not allow the rudder or drive unit to move until you move it with the steering wheel. The lock valve section of the helm also includes a relief valve. This relief valve provides over-pressure protection for mechanical components and hydraulic hoses and fittings.
2. The Cylinder
The most important differences between the variety of SeaStar steering systems available is the cylinder selection. The SeaStar system has a cylinder for most steering applications.
3. Hoses and Tubes
Required to provide a path for the fluid to flow under pressure from the helm pump to the cylinder.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
How it Works
The SeaStar system is a two-line system. This makes operation very simple
1-oview21. The steering wheel, which is attached to the helm pump, is rotated in the desired direction (i.e.: a turn to starboard or clockwise rotation).
2. Oil is pumped out the corresponding port from the rear of the helm into the starboard line and then into the cylinder.
3. This causes the cylinder rod, which is attached to the vessels rudder or drive unit, to move (i.e.: rod moves to port) thus causing the vessel to alter course.
4. Oil displaced from the opposite end (i.e.: the port end) of the cylinder flows (i.e.: into the port line) back to the helm pump.
5. For steering in the opposite direction, simply turn the helm the other way.
6. When no course corrections are required, the integral lock valve holds the rudder or drive unit stationary.
Service Parts – Hydraulic Steering
Service Parts for all Hydraulic Steering Systems
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
– BAYSTAR SERVICE PARTS
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
– CAPILANO SERVICE PARTS
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
– HYNAUTIC SERVICE PARTS
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
– POWER PURGE JR/SR SERVICE PARTS
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
– SEASTAR SERVICE PARTS
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
– SYTEN SERVICE PARTS
Available for Both Retrofit and New Engine Installations
As the captain of your vessel you know how important it is to have command of your yacht, Optimus EPS gives you the steering control, performance and comfort you expect. With Optimus EPS, you can take command of your yacht without having to arm-wrestle for control.
Active Sensitivity Seastar Autopilot
Lock-to-lock turns and wheel effort are programmed to change with engine RPM. At slow speeds, Optimus EPS can be set to reduce the number of turns lock-to-lock, for example 4 and make it easier to steer. When you’re negotiating through traffic or in a tight spot, those smaller moves of the wheel give you precise control. When you’re running at speed in open water, Optimus EPS can be set to increase lock-to-lock turns, for example, and increase steering effort giving the driver more stability to comfortably keep on course. And through it all, Optimus EPS does the work, so you can relax and take it easy.
Advantages of Optimus Electronic Power Steering
Auto adjusting speed sensitive helm effort and turns lock to lock
Low and high speed dynamic rudder stop position
Position proportional rudder gain for faster steering response near neutral rudder position
Can add autopilot without adding an additional pump
3 helm capability
No more long hydraulic hose runs to the helm(s)
Open loop mode allows system to maintain steering even in the event of a complete loss of RFU signal
Twin pump configuration provides redundancy in the event of single pump failure
Twin power inputs with internal battery management system (BMS) prevents steering loss when one power source is low or lost
Multi levels of redundancy includes fault tolerant CAN network and multiple sensors built into each of the components
Comprehensive system status and fault indication
Supports 12V / 24V DC systems
NMEA 2000 Certified. Meets or exceeds NMMA, ABYC, CE, ISO and SAE electrical and environmental requirements
Applications for Optimus EPS Inboard
Most single and twin inboard engine boats – electronic and mechanical controlled
Single, twin and triple helm station yachts
Performance motor yachts, express convertibles, and sport yachts
Go to top
Technology Behind The System
The incredible feel you get when you’re behind the wheel of a boat equipped with Optimus EPS is the result of an innovative array of technology and engineering. Each component has been designed to complement the other, resulting in a seamless experience of steering control in virtually every situation on the water. The high level of engineering also extends to the reliability of the system, with quality materials, careful manufacturing and redundant systems, all to stand up to the rigors of life on the water.
