anyone into hydraulics?

[meekumslr]

I'd like to turn my gearbox selector hydraulic as opposed to a huge 'out of the floor' gear lever due to rebuild and re-fit of my wheelhouse.
I have a Gardner 6LXB engine with Gardnes 2UC gearbox.
Am I being silly or is it as simple as using a hydraulic steering helm/unit and a hydraulic ram linked with pipe?
Therefore, turning the wheel one way for forward and the other astern?
Does anyone know an easier way? Or can I buy a hydraulic manual lever?
Many thanks. Neil.

 

[boatmike]

In principle it should be easy enough but make sure you put a positive stop on the travel of the gear lever or ensure that the travel of the cylinder you use in not so great that it overtravels the correct position of the lever.

 

[David2452]

Or you could go electric, screw ram with limiter switches and a heavy "on of on" switch via relays. Similar to electric window & tailgate lifts.

David

 

[rogerthebodger]

Three ways to remotely operate gear select,
1) mechanical using cables (morse controls)
2) hydralic (Vetus do a system) or you could use 2 hydralic cylinders (not very reliable)
3) electrical again Vetus do a system or you could use electrial solenoids, screw actuaters car door locking actuaters could also be used
PM me if you need more detailed help

 

[snowleopard]

If using any sort of powered shift it would be a good idea to fit an override switch so you can't activate the gear shift without the engine running. If you try to move into gear while stationary youcould break something if the cogs won't go in.

 

[boatbuilder]

The boat that I am working on at the moment has a gardner 6lw and the gear change is morse control, Ill have a look closer this after, also the stop is electric , getting rid of the anoying pull stop.

 

[meekumslr]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions.
I don't want to go electric as i'm worried about power failure (34 tonnes of boat is not good when you want reverse gear to stop).
I'm now swaying towards a large morse cable.
Thanks for having a look for me boatbuilder and any more info is greatly welcomed.
Thanks again. Neil

 

[William_H]

You might consider a hydraulic system as used on ollder cars. ie Morris Mini.
Here you have a salve cylinder that will produce a lot of force with small motion and a master cylinder which would require a lever to actuate it. You might need one for forward and one for reverse. olewill