General Information

The following section covers a range of topics including the contents of steering kits, selection of steering to suit various types and sizes of boats, installation of multiple stations, and autopilots.

Contents of a complete Steering Kit

Many of the Admiral small-boat series are available in kit form, making it a very simple DIY installation. The less you know about hydraulics, the better we like it, because you might actually read the instructions. If you follow the book, it is a very simple matter indeed.

Each standard Admiral Kit comes in a single carton including the following items:-

• Admiral Series Model 101 Helm
  
• 3 litres HyDrive ULTRA-15 fluid*
  
• 15 metres ( 50 ft) high pressure hydraulic tubing**
  
• Installation Instructions
  
• All fittings to suit
  
• Bleeder Kit
  
• The Cylinder type of your choice

In short - you get everything except a steering wheel. What could be simpler.
No complicated part numbers - just a simple KIT number.

* Sportkits include 2 litres
** MERCKIT & VOLVOKIT do not include tubing

BUT WHICH UNIT WILL FIT MY BOAT?

For Outboards or Sterndrives

For outboard steering selection, the most important requirement is the amount of room available either side of the outboard motor. Unless you have a pair of very large horsepower motors, any of the kits, from the Sportkit to the powerful OBKIT1 using the 210BH cylinder, can steer your boat. The ultimate decision comes down to a combination of personal preference, your budget, and the amount of engine-well space available. The drawings provide you with the minimum space required for each type of cylinder. Please ensure that the measurement is taken at the narrowest section of your engine well - particularly with tapered wells, as the cylinder tilts down with the motor. Keep in mind however, that for some boats which have plenty of available space, or have the motors mounted on pods, the OBKIT1 using the 210BH cylinder may be the most practical for installation to allow for boarding ladders, ski-ropes, or other obstacles.

For Inboard Rudders and Jet Units

Selection of steering for inboard rudders is not as simple as for outboard or sterndrive powered vessels. Each rudder design has it’s own characteristics which are affected by vessel speed, propeller diameter/pitch, horsepower, tunnels, nozzles etc and this makes selection a matter of calculation, rather than selecting one model to suit all. There is a questionnaire available from our website (or your dealer) which, when completed and forwarded to us, or your HyDrive supplier, gives all information required to calculate the rudder torques on your vessel. Keep in mind that there is no single formula which can take all types of vessel into account.. We need more information than simply the rudder dimensions, to give you peace of mind that the unit recommended will perform safely and correctly.

Dual Stations

Multiple stations are very simple to install and provide the helmsman with instant and light control from any number of steering positions. Ideal for fly bridge, rear deck, or tuna tower consoles, complete Dual Station Kits which include lock valves and all other fittings are available to make your installation very simple indeed.

Autopilots

Admiral Series helm units are designed for use with hydraulic autopilots, and have in-built lock valves and balance-line ports to ensure simple and economic installation. The HD Series helm units are also designed for use with hydraulic autopilots and require the fitting of external lock valves (Part No 331C or 318C) to isolate the helm from the pilot pump unit. (See also section on Feedback Options for Sailboats)

Catamarans

If you have inboards, outboards, sterndrives or jets, HyDrive has a fluid-link circuit design that will allow your steering to operate without mechanical tie-rods. (See section on Catamarans)

Installation

Installation of HyDrive steering equipment is very simple. From the minute you open the box and begin to read the comprehensive instructions, you will find the system has been designed to be installed by even the most inexperienced boating enthusiast, without any hydraulic knowledge. Everything you need is included, right down to the nuts, bolts, and loctite.

Warranty

HyDrive Admiral series units are warranted for a period of 2 years from date of sale. (Sportkit cylinders only and steering on commercial vessels limited to 12 months)