Ultraflex steering

[billyfish]

Hi. I have a Degero28 that I can steer from the warm cosy 'shed' although not a worry more of a nuisance is a small amount of play in the wheel, about 2 inches, it is a ultraflex rotary system I think as this is from memory. I did have it apart and could see no ware in the gears . Does the cable wear inside its tube outer. Do you replace the whole lot .?Would hydraulic be better ?

 

[scottie]

There are minor things you can do but I suspect that will not eliminate all play in the system as in for no other reason than straight ahead will always use the same part of the cable although you could try setting it up with the cable wheel in a different position but that may be difficult if you don’t know where it was before you started you could also check if it’s possible to eliminate any excess cable length but with a production boat
You don’t say if it’s inboard or outboard and it is possible that there is wear or slop at the other end from the wheel
Play is exaggerated at the rim of the wheel of course and it may be worth comparing with other boats
Hydraulic would probably be better but do not consider using “plastic “ pipes

 

[billyfish]

Hey, she's a motor sailor with a tiller as well. No slop at that end I did move the gears round a bit couldn't see anything worn. May be there is always a bit of play in that type of system.
Anyone know if , with a hydraulic system, you can disconnect the wheel when at the tiller ?

 

[masterofnone]

The older systems worked on 'push me/pull me. the new work on push/ pull , I tried to make it work, but went hydraulic, no rudder feedback/ good for autopilot integration.

 

[billyfish]

Thanks , what autopilot?

 

[rogerthebodger]

Anyone know if , with a hydraulic system, you can disconnect the wheel when at the tiller ?

A hydraulic steeping system will have a bypass valve fitted in the pipes of the cylinder so when the valve is open the oil will pass from one side of the cylinder to the other allowing the tiller to turn the rudder.

With regard to a autopilot you fit a reversing electric gear pump that is driven by the autopilot electronics. The autopilot pump is fitted in parallel with the steering wheel steering pump