Next message: Rufus Laggren: "Re: lv-ab: Top-loading refrigerator access (was: AC Reefer Update)"
Dave Benjamin wrote:
...
> that Denis refers to is a more traditional windvane. Personally I would
> probably convert over to conventional cable steering or that Whitlock system
> rather than suffer with hydraulic steering. Since we have mixed company on
> this lailing list I can't make the analogy between hydraulic steering and
Dave, I don't have any personal knowledge of hydraulics as applied to small
boat steering. However, according to what I've read about boat systems in
general in the last several years, I understand hydraulics to be a very
reliable, though not commonly used, system. The disadvantages include no
feedback to the helm, high initial cost, and the relative difficulty of hooking
up a purely mechanical windvane, and the need to be in a moderate size town to
get service; depending on the installation jury rigs may be difficult..
Advantages include tremendous mechanical advantage between helm and rudder (no
strength needed to man the helm), very low maintenance on properly installed
systems (not *no* maintenance), ease of placing the helm at any location and
also of adding 2nd or 3rd helm stations, ease and reliability of autopilot
installations. The technology is very mature and common throughout the world
and parts and expertise are readily available anywhere you find industry,
agriculture, or heavy construction.
This is my impression from various sources. The Dashew book has several pages
on this (I don't have the book right now). Do others have different
experiences?
Rufus
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