T&T: Hydraulic steering

[Mike Maurice]

> Folks, I have 55,0000 lb steel vessel with hydraulic steering. Ever
> since I got her the number of turns lock to lock ( 32 as I recall) with
> the small 16-188 diameter wheel has been ridiculous.   The problem is
> she has a huge ram for the hydraulics to the large rudder.  I have bled
> and refilled the hydraulic fluid.  Is there any thing I can do to
> improve (Reduce) the number of turns it takes to move the rudder and
> improve my control????? Steering manually  is a real pain with this set
> up. Thanks Russ Davignon

There are two ways to attack this problem. Add a booster pump, a power 
steer kind of solution. Or, change the helm pump that the steering wheel 
is driving for a larger one. This last will result in more effort to 
turn, which may require a larger steering wheel. Which then may require 
the "power steering" solution.

The trouble with all this is that there is NO easy solution.

Mike
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Capt. Mike Maurice
Beaverton Oregon(Near Portland)