How to install a second helm position?

[Rivers & creeks]

We have hydraulic steering and single lever morse control for the engine, all in the wheelhouse. Is it possible to put a second helm position on the aft deck? Can you have twin controls for the engine and how expensive are hydraulic wheel systems? Would it be cheaper to just put an electronic autopilot joystick there instead - our aged Raymarine 300 system could have a joystick but do you trust electronic steering through a crowded anchorage?

Thanks for any suggestions and ideas.

 

[joha]

We have hydraulic steering and single lever morse control for the engine, all in the wheelhouse. Is it possible to put a second helm position on the aft deck? Can you have twin controls for the engine and how expensive are hydraulic wheel systems? Would it be cheaper to just put an electronic autopilot joystick there instead - our aged Raymarine 300 system could have a joystick but do you trust electronic steering through a crowded anchorage?

Thanks for any suggestions and ideas.

Hi. I have an inside steering position (hydraulic) and an outside steering position (cable) The engine controls go to a selector box and then to the engine there is a knob at the chart table / inside helm that is turned to select either inside or otside engine control.

The cable steering is via a quadrant on the rudder head. The autopilot works on the external helm.

Hope this is helpful.

J

 

[Tranona]

Have a look in the Vetus catalogue www.vetus.com Page 56 for dual station engine controls and page 178 for dual station steering systems. Page numbers from 2011 catalogue so might be slightly different on line.

Be prepared for a big bill and lots of work - one of the reasons why few boats are fitted with dual station controls. Most common set up is for main control in cockpit for obvious reasons of ease of control when berthing and remote for autopilot down below, but of course some boats major on wheelhouse steering.

 

[Davy_S]

I notice you have a Colvic Watson, I could be worth having a look at how the Westerly Duo motorsailer does it. From what I remember it had hydraulic steering in the wheelhouse, and a selector switch that knocked off the hydraulics and allowed the tiller to be used, engine controls were cable.
Hopefully so one who owned one will come along and explain better, it maybe helpfull.

 

[scottie]

Adding a second steering position is simple basically you just T into the existing pipe work and
Blank off the vent in the lower position.

The control side is a little bit more work

Either you add a second control plus DS units and extra cales which requires switching from one control or other or you change to single function controls and extra cables.

All relatively simple .

See if you can look at other installations as the different setups suit different people.

 

[elioti]

i installed dual controls on our nelson34 for the french canals. The steering should be straightforward as is hydraulic, and engine controls easy too. I have morse controls, two cables from each morse control, and two morse controls. And a simple box from aquafax.co.uk ( £50.00) . The two throttle cables join the box and connect to the engine throttle, simple. Same with the gear cables, both into box then to gearbox. You dont have to switch between cables or whatever, just leave one morse in neutral whilst you use the other and vice versa. Works well and is simple! Your`ll need two little units, one for throttle, and one for the gearbox, as said about £50 each. If you want any more help, pm me. cheers!

 

[Rivers & creeks]

Thanks everyone. So to clarify if I've got it right:

1. Additional wheel hydraulic unit required - I couldn't find them in that Vetus catalogue - any suggestions?
2. Change engine controls to twin lever and have a twin lever control at each helm with an aqua fax control box to turn two twins into single cables to go to the engine.
3. I assume a pedestal will be the simplest way to mount the outside position.

The only issue I see is coming into/out of marinas where controlling the engine with two levers will be more difficult - plus wheel and bow thruster! No way of using two single lever controls?

 

[Tranona]

The dual station pumps are clearly shown. You need a complete second station - pump and wheel plus a non return valve so that when you use one wheel the other does not move. Where you mount the external wheel will depend on the layout of your cockpit. On the aft of the wheelhouse is the most obvious place. Some sort of box with a console to house the pump, mount the wheel and the controls is normal. You could look at a pedestal but that is likely to be more complex and take up room. No need for dual lever controls. You need the dual station box which connects the two single lever controls (one internal and one external) to the engine/box controls. Again they operate independently.

A Vetus dealer will advise you what you need as the actual installation will be custom to your boat, although the main components are standard units.