A motor boat can be used for various purposes. For some, it is a stroll. Others, with the help of a boat, fish, hunt, etc. For whatever purpose the owner pursues while operating his swimming means, the steering system provides reliable control. It must be reliable.
Boat steering is one of the most important boat systems. Manageability, flexibility of the whole structure, as well as passenger safety, depend on its quality. Features of such systems will be presented below.
general characteristics
The steering for the Progress , Kazanka, and other popular models can be performed in two variations. The first category includes a manual (tiller) system. It is also possible to set the remote control of the swimming vehicle.
Manual control is most often installed on rescue and sports boats as a standard system. In this case, the boat can perform complex maneuvering, frequent turns. This is a reliable design, which today is used on fishing and special boats.
The remote control is suitable for boats with a length exceeding 3.5 m. This gives the captain the opportunity to have a good view of the terrain from the steering wheel. If the person driving the boat is on the tiller, he will see a smaller area around. This increases safety. Most often, motorboat owners today choose remote systems. They are reliable and comfortable to use.
Manual control
Less often, but still there is manual or tiller steering of boats. This is the most traditional option. It is characterized by simplicity of design. The manual type of organization of the system has steering on the Kazanka boat. This is a classic option.
Such a device includes a rudder, steering wheel, rollers, shturtros, tiller, and balloon feather. All of them provide the required maneuvers in the pond. The steering wheel feather through the interaction of the presented elements is shifted to the desired angle to complete the rotation.
In modern designs, there may also be a steering machine, a bowden and an arm for fixing it. The traditional (passive) types of design include mounted on the transom, semi-balanced and suspended balancing type of devices. Outboard motors, tilt-and-turn columns, water cannons are considered to be active.
Recommendations
The steering on a PVC boat most often belongs to the remote class. These include several varieties of designs. To make the right choice, it is necessary to take into account the dimensions of the swimming means, as well as the features of mounting a similar system on it. The physical capabilities of the boat owner also play an important role.
You should also consider whether you need to remove the steering gear or whether it will be stationary. If there is no need to disassemble the system, it is better to give preference to monolithic types of construction. Otherwise, you should purchase a removable device.
Experts argue that steering should be lightweight but reliable. In this case, a large consumption of fuel by the engine can be avoided. The more functional, durable the system, the more expensive it is. You cannot save on your own safety.
Mechanical remote control
When choosing a steering kit for a boat , you need to consider options for remote systems. They can be mechanical, hydraulic and electro-hydraulic.
The first category of devices includes a system that consists of a specific set of elements. This includes a mechanical gearbox, cable, traction (levers), steering wheel (wheel). Turning to the right, left side activates the gear mechanism. A cable is wound around its gear. It is laid along the side of the boat.
With the help of smaller diameter cables, the angle of inclination, revolutions is adjusted and the gear changes. The load on them will be minimal. On sale are systems designed for boats with various performance characteristics.
Hydraulic systems
The steering on the boat that its owner chooses can be hydraulic. This is a more advanced type of device. Such a system is mounted together with an engine with a capacity of up to 150 liters. with. It includes several basic nodes.
The steering pump acts as an oil pump. A steering wheel is mounted on its shaft . When the steering wheel is turned, the pump will direct pressure oil to certain hydraulic cylinders of the engine.
The hydraulic cylinder is divided into two separate cavities by the piston system. If a force is applied to the steering wheel, increased pressure arises in one of the two parts. In this case, the piston will move in the opposite direction. The force will be redistributed to the swivel column or the fixed engine structure.
Hoses connect the pump and hydraulic cylinder. Their length corresponds to the dimensions of the swimming means. Since the basis of such a system is oil, it is possible to transmit a signal from the helm precisely.
Electrical systems
The steering on a motor boat can be electric. It represents a more perfect system. The main advantage of the electro-hydraulic design is the partial or complete absence of a cable system.
Using the electric cable, the helm and the engine are connected. It carries signals within the circuit. They get to the electric motors that are mounted on the engine. They drive the pistons of the cylinders.
In the presented system, it is possible to avoid installing a cable on the gas and reverse switches. If a swimming means is driven by two motors, their synchronous operation is possible only with electronic control. This is the most advanced system used today.
Advantages and disadvantages
The boat steering options presented here have their advantages and disadvantages. So, the mechanical version of the design is represented by a huge variety of models. The cost of such systems is relatively low (about 10 thousand rubles). Their installation is simple. The disadvantages include a short period of operation, the sensitivity of the cables to operating conditions. There is also low maneuverability when driving powerful motors.
Hydraulic systems are more expensive (about 30 thousand rubles). However, they have many advantages. When turning the helm, significant physical effort is not required. Signal accuracy is very high. When using hydraulic control, several engines can be installed on the boat at the same time. This is a reliable system that can operate in the "Autopilot" mode.
Electrical control is the most efficient and high-quality, but expensive (up to 100 thousand rubles). This option maximizes comfort when driving.
Installation Features
Installing steering on a boat has a number of features. This is a simple process. It is recommended to mount the console in the center of the boat hull. This will balance the propeller reactance. When carrying out such work, it is necessary to read the engine power. For each type of motor, a special type of gearbox is used.
Having decided on these elements of the system, you need to choose the right cable. It should also match motor power and gear type. Taking into account all the design features, it will be possible to correctly select the appropriate diameter of the helm.
The installation process is carried out in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. When using such equipment, carefully studying the instructions is not only desirable, but also necessary.
With a motor up to 60 liters. with. a gearbox type T67 is required. For engines of type 60-110 l. with. a device of type T71 is more suitable. It is easy to install and operate. Such a gearbox does not require additional adjustment. If the motor will have a capacity of up to 160 liters. with., the device of type T85 is acquired. Each gearbox, cable, helm diameter must correspond to all design features.
DIY steering
Do-it-yourself steering for a boat is entirely possible. Many owners of such boats make self-assembly due to the unsatisfactory quality of purchased systems, as well as their high cost. To create a structure, plywood with a thickness of about 12 mm will be required.
All elements of the mechanism are cut individually. They are collected using furniture corners. The ends, joints must be thoroughly greased with epoxy glue. The place for the gearbox should be on the front panel. All switches, devices, and a motor stop cable in an emergency are also output here.
The whole structure is sanded, and also covered with fiberglass. A primer coat is applied on top. It is painted with water-repellent paint. To the floorboard of the floating vehicle, the manufactured steering is mounted with 5 durable screws.
Having considered the features of steering on the boat, you can correctly choose the type of design in accordance with the features of your boat .