Vetus Steering Systems
Construction: the system consists of a hydraulic pump and cylinder connected by means of tubes. The pump is of the axial piston type, with small pistons inside, which are directly actuated by the steering wheel; certainly not the cheapest, but the only good system for safe and reliable hydraulic steering. The cylinder is of the double-acting type and mounted on a base, allowing it to swing according to the arc described by the rudder tiller.
Operation: The manually operated system creates its hydraulic power through rotation of the steering wheel. It does not depend on the electric or propulsion system of the boat for its energy.
Quality: all parts are manufactured to the highest standards and of the best materials, for long service life, corrosion resistance and operating efficiency. More than 30 years of experience in this field gives Vetus an undisputed lead over many others.
Installation: this is a very simple matter. All that is required is to connect the pump to the cylinder by means of nylon, copper or steel tubes.
Maintenance: once the steering is properly installed, only minimal maintenance is necessary.
Automatic pilot: The Vetus hydraulic steering system can be used to advantage with an automatic pilot.
Choice of system: several models of Vetus hydraulic steering are available and are detailed below: please contact us if you would like us to calculate what size cylinder you require - all we need to know are the rudder dimensions and the maximum speed of the vessel.
Installation components for steering systems
HHOSE6 HHOSE8 |
Nylon tubing for hydraulic steering systems is available in coils of 15m, 30m or by the metre. If the 8mm id hosing is used, an adaptor kit will have to be fitted to each connector. 6mm id x 8mm od (for cylinder MTC30) - 15m coil 6mm id x 10mm od (for cylinders MTC52 & MTC72) - 15m coil, 30m coil or by the metre 8mm id x 12mm od (for cylinders MTC125 & MTC175)- 15m coil, 30m coil or by the metre |
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COPPER08 COPPER10 COPPER18 |
Copper tubing for hydraulic steering systems is available in coils. If copper is used for steering, then a flexible connection will have to be provided at the cylinder end in order to remove the possibility of the tube becoming damaged. 6mm id x 8mm od - 16m coil 8mm id x 10mm od - 20m coil 15mm id x 18mm od - 10m coil |
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HTPF HTPF2 |
A polished stainless steel flange is available for the installation of HTP pumps in place of the older model MTP pumps, which had a larger diameter. This may also be used to recess the pump where space is limited: model HTPF will recess the pump by 38mm and model HTPF2 (pictures) by 74mm. Both models are provided with a pipe fitting so that a drain may be attached in case the pump is located outside. |
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K30/140 |
In the case of a dual helm position steering system, a seperate non-return valve block is required if both pumps are not fitted with built-in non-return valves. This may also be used where an autopilot without non-return valves is added to an existing system. |
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BYPASS8 BYPASS10 |
If, in an emergency, a quick change-over to tiller steering is required, installation of a bypass valve is required. This is available in 8mm, 10mm and 18mm sizes. |
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HF15 |
Vetus hydraulic oil may be supplied for all steering systems, to ISO VG15 specification. This is available in 1 litre containers. |
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Note: all specifications are subject to change without notice. Please contact us for details of prices and any further information, full details are available in the current Vetus catalogue which you can request online.