5050
Helm Control Systems
4.6 Steering System
Manual Hydraulic Steering (Standard)
The steering system is hydraulic and made of three
main components: the helm assembly, hydraulic
hoses and the hydraulic cylinder. The helm unit
acts as both a uid reservoir and pump. Turning of
the helm or steering wheel pumps the uid in the
hydraulic hoses and activates the hydraulic cylin-
ders causing the motors to turn. A slight clicking
sound may be heard as the wheel is turned. This
sound is the opening and closing of valves in the
helm unit and is normal.
Power Assist Hydraulic Steering (Optional)
The power assist steering system is comprised of
two hydraulic circuits: a manual system, which is
the control element and a hydraulic power pump,
which is the working element.
The manual system is hydraulic and operates as
described in the Manual Hydraulic Steering System
in this section.
The power system is an electronically controlled,
12 volt hydraulic pump that boosts the uid pres-
sure being sent from the helm pump to the steer-
ing cylinders to provide “Power” for the steering
system which results in much easier effort at the
steering wheel, even under heavy loads. In the
event of a power loss or failure of the hydraulic
steering pump, the steering system will automati-
cally revert to a manual hydraulic system.
Steering Cylinders and Tie Bar
Dual outboards are coupled near the tiller arms by
a tie bar and controlled by two steering cylinders.
There is one cylinder on the port engine and one
on the starboard engine. The engines must be
aligned to provide maximum stability on straight
ahead runs and proper tracking through corners.
Dual outboards are aligned so the engines are
towed in slightly (.25” to .5”) at the propellers.
Engine or steering system damage may require
the engines to be realigned.
Tilt Steering Wheel
The steering wheel can be tilted to ve different
positions by activating the tilt lock lever located
on the bottom of the helm station. When the
lever is released, it automatically locks the steer-
ing wheel at or close to that angle. Refer to the
steering manufacturer owner’s manual for specic
information on the steering system.
Typical Tilt Steering Wheel
Tie Bar and Dual Steering Cylinders
4.7 Trim Tabs
The trim tabs are mounted below the swim plat-
form and integrated transom engine mounting
system. A dual rocker switch is used to control
the trim tabs. The switch controls bow up and
down movements. It also controls starboard and
port up and down movements. Bow up and bow
down will control the hull planing attitude, while
port and starboard up and down provides control
for the hull listing.
The trim tabs are programmed to automatically
retract when the engines are shutdown to keep
the actuators clean and set the tabs in the full “UP”
position when leaving the dock. Refer to the trim
To Next Page
Loading...
