Hydraulic Steering Cylinder Installation

[Despacio]

Leaving a mooring, the boat did not go in the direction it should have. I immediately took it out of gear but backed into a mooring ball.

The rudder seemed to be in a hard over position no matter where the wheel was. Yes, I checked the hydraulic fluid and a lot of other things that morning, but who looks to see if the nut has fallen off of the steering arm?

I quickly reattached the hydraulic cylinder to the steering arm and all is ok, except for where I hit the anchor chain with my rudder and prop. Bent the tips of all three blades a little bit, but it looks even and I think it's ok. Certainly could have been worse.

I never thought about that cylinder being held up by the nut, it has always been that way. Obviously the cylinder should be on the top of the steering arm so that if the nut falls off, the cylinder and it's bolt will still be attached by gravity.

Marty

[jleonard]

Yikes!
I think mine is on top but I will be checking it out to be sure.