SeaStar Hydraulic steering issue

[vonner25]

Hey,


I have a Seastar Hydraulic system on the boat I bought recently. I ran it this weekend for first time and noticing an issue with the system. This is the first rig I have had with hydraulic, so am new to the systems.


I find the steering wheel continuously losing centre, and when running the boat the wheel is constantly needing to be rotated in order to keep the boat straight..Some times a whole wheel rotation is done by the end of the journey.

ALSO, at high speeds the motor seems turned more then normal...yet the boat is going straight...dont know if this is just torque steer or if the cylinder has an issue and isn't holding motor properly.


Is this normal for hydraulic systems? Whats the best way to diagnose between helm and cylinder as the issue, and are their seal kits or rebuilds available on these?


Thanks in advance.

[rjdubiel]

This is normal to a point. How far is the run you take? If your going 10 miles I would think the wheel will continue to turn to keep you straight, maybe even a full revolution. (I tried to use a cord to trim on the wheel, constantly going around the helm till it broke!). The steering wheel will never stay centered.

[vonner25]

Yes id say 5-10 mile run at differing speeds

[BOATMANBLUES]

first thing is to go through the purge procedure and make sure no air is in the system anywhere...if it is air free and continues this , then it is almost always the shuttle valve in the bottom of the helm sticking...take it apart, clean it up till it moves freely , and put it back together...

[flabum1017]

Seastar will never keep the steering wheel centered; it's in the valving... there will always be a little helm movement before the motor starts to move. If you are running high (surfacing prop) not much you can do to reduce it. If running normal (steering tab under the anti-ventelation pltae is in the water) then you can adjust the steering tab to reduce steering torque. If it's harder to steer left, adjust it right...