Catamarans

Catamaran steering WITHOUT a Tie - Rod

HyDrive is now recognised as the market leader in hydraulic steering for catamarans, both power and sail, inboard or outboard, and is the specialist in fluid-link steering systems.

Fluid-Link is the term for two independent cylinders connected via a simple valve and controlled by the helm unit like any standard steering. The valve allows the cylinders to be aligned to each other, and synchronisation is maintained by the quality of the cylinders and seals themselves.

While a mechanical tie-rod is the most reliable system, on most cats this is impossible to achieve. A Fluid-Link therefore offers the perfect solution to a major problem, and gives fast, responsive, and reliable steering.

All hydraulic circuits of this type will eventually get out of synchronisation, however the high quality bore finish and seal design of a HyDrive unit will offer maximum performance before realignment is necessary. Realignment itself is a very simple function with our standard valves, and takes only seconds. The time taken periodically is more than compensated for by the advantages this system offers where mechanical tie-rods are too difficult to install.

CATAMARAN STEERING

See also section on Yacht steering WITH feedback

Whereas 'feel' or 'feedback' is not considered an important matter for sailing Catamarans, many of the features in the new HD series range of helm units, provide the ultimate in steering for Catamarans, both power and sail.

As a result of years of intense research and development, HyDrive Hydraulic steering offers huge advantages such as:-

• Simple installation with hydraulic tubing that can be run literally anywhere on the boat - no more straight line cables, pulleys, or sheaves!
• Instant movement - No slack!
• Fully compatible with hydraulic autopilots
• Totally Manual - no power required
• Ease of fitting to wind-vanes
• Safety and reliability that only hydraulics can offer. (You trust hydraulics to stop you safely in your car)
• Cost savings on expensive quadrants (Overall costs on a complete hydraulic system will most likely work out considerably less that an equivalent wire system of equal quality and power)

The ULTIMATE for feedback

The new improved performance, and unique oil balanced design make these helm units the ultimate for yacht steering where feed-back to the wheel is required. The efficiency of the design means that even small loads can be sensed at the wheel, giving the “feel” of mechanical steering with all the safety and advantages of hydraulics.

Precision, quality and intelligent design are the keys to this revolution in steering.