SeaStar Solutions Catalog

18 ® 1 3 2 STEERING - SeaStar Hydraulic Steering Our manual hydraulic steering systems are simple and efficient. The basic system consists of four main components; 1) the helm pump, 2) the cylinder, 3) the hose or tubing required to connect the cylinder to the helm pump, and 4) genuine SeaStar Steering Fluid. These basic components are necessary in all applications. However, as the system variables increase (i.e.: multiple engines, rudders, steering stations, power assist and autopilots), additional components may be required. 1. THE HELM UNIT The 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 steering systems available is the cylinder selection. Both BayStar and SeaStar systems have a cylinder for most steering applications. 3. HOSES AND TUBING Required to provide a path for the fluid to flow under pressure from the helm pump to the cylinder. SeaStar hoses are a custom multi-layered composite design, engineered specifically for our systems. They are designed to exceed SAE and ABYC specifications and provide precise steering control not achievable with hydraulic industry standard hoses. Due to performance and safety concerns, SeaStar recommends that ONLY SeaStar or SeaStar Pro hoses be used in SeaStar steering systems. 4. STEERING FLUID Due to recent upgrades to our steering system components, SeaStar Solutions recommends use of SeaStar Steering Fluid Only in our hydraulic steering systems. SeaStar steering systems have been engineered and validated using our proprietary SeaStar Hydraulic Steering Fluid. SeaStar steering fluid is engineered with a special additive package that contains anti-foaming and anti-rust agents, anti-oxidants, viscosity stabilizers, corrosion inhibitors, wear additives as well as water emulsification adders that were formulated not to harm or degrade our components. It is highly recommended that SeaStar Steering Fluid be used to ensure optimum system performance and safety. SeaStar Hydraulic Steering IMPORTANT IMPORTANT