HY-PRO steering pump identification

[jointventureII]

Dear forum,

I've just 'celebrated' 3 years with my Bertram 25, and am now finally moving on to fixing the accessories and various other bits that I removed after over 1000 hours doing more essential things. Had a good summer's use.

The below pump has always just been there, connected to the steering system. Is this an (old) autopilot pump or a power steering pump? (Or are they the same thing?) The only marking is HY-PRO on the bottom. There is a 12v cable coming out that has never been connected. There is no oil reservoir anywhere in the system, no screen or head unit on the helm station, no switch or control. The 3 tubes go to the steering cylinder (2) and the lower helm position.

As it stands, the steering is unassisted and that's perfectly usable, I'm not interested in putting this pump back into life (changing seals etc) if it's only going to help me turn the wheel. However if it can be used as an autopilot pump...

Any help IDing the pump or what it's for, or even where I might find the model written on the pump (once sandblasted) would be appreciated greatly.

 

[jointventureII]

Bit more info - there is a Vetus MT50/7 helm pump and the steering cylinder, I'm assuming vetus as well, is in the photo below

 

[TK Blue MAX]

Try HY PRO marine 01626 863634 Devon uk

 

[jointventureII]

Thanks TK, I emailed them and they sent me some documentation

I'm in the process of sand blasting the pump to see if there are any more details!

 

[vas]

I expect this to be an autopilot pump. fwiw, my steering ram is similar to yours.
Now if this pump will play ball with whatever autopilot you have/wish to install is another thing altogether...
3rd pipe that goes to lower helm is the "return" pipe taking excess oil back to the top of the circuit to be reused.

 

[jointventureII]

I expect this to be an autopilot pump. fwiw, my steering ram is similar to yours.
Now if this pump will play ball with whatever autopilot you have/wish to install is another thing altogether...
3rd pipe that goes to lower helm is the "return" pipe taking excess oil back to the top of the circuit to be reused.

Cheers vas - I took the pump apart today and ran 12v down it, both ways, and it spins both ways no problem. I'm almost certain it is an autopilot pump because there is a very small fitting on the steering arm that looks very much like where a rudder indicator would be attached.

Anything I can get out of this will be a bonus. Cylinder and steering pump seal kits ordered, now to see if I can get an autopilot system to work with this pump!

 

[jointventureII]

Found it - Autohelm Type 1 Z041.



This means I now need something compatible with this - apparently that's an old Autohelm ST6000 or ST7000 system

Presumably the components required are:
-rudder (sterndrive) position sensor
-fluxgate compass
-control unit

 

[NorthUp]

Any make of autopilot will drive your pump- just connect it via a set of relays to reverse the polarity/ direction of rotation.

 

[jointventureII]

Thanks North,
Presumably as long as the system just gives out 12v to the pump and reverses the current as required, it doesn't matter what's on the end?

 

[NorthUp]

Yes. The original system probably could be configured to either reverse the current straight out of the controller, or have a port feed, starboard feed, and common negative, if the hydraulics had solenoid valves instead of reversing the motor/ hydraulic pump.

 

[vas]

and another note, if you end up buying the a/p bit by bit and you end up needing a 100-200euro VDO style rudders sensor, get one from alibaba for a tenner
however, I'd try a suitable modern a/p that will work with your plotter, especially if you're thinking of using it a lot.

 

[jointventureII]

@vas yes I will indeed be needing a rudder sensor. I'm trying to locate an old system, the old Autohelm systems seem to be the best fit for what I need (this setup will be used for trolling mainly, just to keep the boat in a straightish line)

It doesn't need to be able to run search patterns, zig zags or anything fancy. The more basic, the better. Will update in due course, but if I can get an autopilot system in place for under €/£500 then I'll be over the moon.

 

[Dino]

I have an ST7000 head unit for sale in the For Sale section.
Autohelm ST7000 Head Unit

 

[jointventureII]

Ah missed this thanks Dino, I went for a ST6002 / S1 course computer in the end.

Pump reinstalled and all components hooked up. Took it out for a sea trial, seems to work pretty well.



Up there with the most satisfying jobs I've ever done if I'm honest. Amazing what can be recovered and made to work with a little time and effort

 

[Dino]

I changed my head unit to a 6002 also. It takes up a lot less space on the dashboard.
Have you integrated it with a chartplotter?

 

[jointventureII]

No I've not for the moment, going to see what is out there 2nd hand. All this gear really retains value, it seems

I still have to change all the seals in the steering cylinder and helm stations as it leaks like a sieve

 

[Rappey]

All this gear really retains value, it seems

It works well and lasts a long time. There are people around that repair the old items. I bought a used autohelm 100 course computer 25 years ago and it has been faultless, likewise with the 30 year old seastar hydraulics.