Boat steering systems are essential for safe and efficient boat movement. They are the system in charge of delivering power to the propeller to move the boat forward in different directions, based on your commands. There are three main types of boat steering systems: cable-steer, hydraulically-steered, and mechanically-steered.
Cable-steer systems use cables running from the steering wheel to each side of the vessel’s rudder for control. Hydraulic steering is a more modern type that uses hydraulic fluid pressure to operate the rudders and connect with boat gauges system. Mechanical steering is an older style where mechanical linkages connect the helm with the rudder. The most common form of steering used today is hydraulic steering. This system has been around since the 1950s but was not widely adopted until after World War II when it became cheaper than other forms of steering such as cable steer or mechanical steering. It also had advantages over cable steer because there were no exposed wires which could be damaged by ice or debris.
How they work
Boat steering systems work differently from automobile steering systems. Boat steering is a more physical process and requires control over the rudder, the sails, the centerboard, and sometimes an aft keel. This can be accomplished with a single-handed tiller or with a wheel. The rudder moves the boat sideways while the sails or centerboard moves it forward or backwards. Aft keels are used to move the stern up or down in order to change its angle relative to the water surface.
In some cases both the rudder and sail/centerboard may be controlled at once using a double-ended tiller. The most common type of boat steering system uses two rudders: one on each side of the hull. These rudders are connected by cables that run through sheaves (or pulleys) mounted near the bow and stern.
Types of boat steering system
There are basically four types of boat steering system which I am going to discuss one by one in this article:
1. Rack and Pinion
The Rack and Pinion boat steering system is made up of two rods, with the pinion rod in the center. The rod is installed in a hole with an eccentric crescent shape, which causes one end to rotate faster than the other. The rack is fitted on the side of the boat’s transom and at its upper end, where it can be connected to a lever or wheel. When you turn the wheel/lever, the pinion rotates causing the rod to move back and forth along the length of the rack. This movement then moves the rudder blade attached to the lower part of the rod.
As long as there are no obstructions between the wheel/lever and the rudder, the rudder will follow your movements smoothly. The rudder itself consists of two parts: A fixed (non-rotating) piece that attaches to the hull and a rotating blade that slides up and down inside this piece. At the bottom of the blade, there is a small metal plate called “the stop”. If you push on it with your finger while turning the wheel/lever, the blade stops moving at its lowest point.
The steering mechanism works by using friction instead of gears. It’s very simple but effective!
The advantages of using rack and pinion boat steering system
- It offers the largest turning radius
- It can be adjusted to different vehicles, which makes it easier to resale
- The steering wheel does not have to be fixed in place
- There’s less stress on the boat operator’s hands
- Allows for two-handed operation of the throttle and tiller
- Offers better protection against collisions
2. Rotary Steering
Rotary steering systems are found in most boats, ranging from canoes to cargo ships. They are used to steer the boat with a handle that turns in the opposite direction of the desired turn. The handle is connected to a rudder that is turned in its corresponding direction and then back again, using the momentum of the boat’s rotation to produce a full turn.
Rotary steering has been around since ancient times when it was first invented by Chinese sailors who were familiar with the use of paddles as oars. It is still widely used today because rotary steering allows you to make sharp turns without having to stop your forward motion or change course abruptly.
The advantages of using rotary boat steering system
- The steering is more precise
- The boat can be turned faster
- A self-steering device is not required
- Speed of the boat is controlled
- It is easier to manoeuvre around obstacles
3. Hydraulic Steering System
The simple hydraulic steering system on a boat is a device that allows a boat to be maneuvered by moving a rudder using hydraulic pressure. The steering mechanism is composed of a rudder and a cylinder. When the operator pushes on one side of the cylinder, it causes fluid to flow from one side to the other, which in turn causes the rudder to turn.
This type of steering system requires no power source or batteries. It also has an advantage over electric systems because there are fewer parts involved. This makes maintenance much simpler than with electrical systems. However, this design does have some disadvantages as well. For example, if the pump fails, then the entire steering system will fail. Also, when the engine stops running, the steering system can still function but at reduced efficiency. In addition, the steering system cannot steer while under way.
The advantages of using hydraulic boat steering system
- Reduces the need for more than one person
- Reduced maintenance on ropes and cables
- Less effort required to steer the boat
- Centers of Steering and Rudder are close together
- Simplifies maneuvering of vessels
- Reduces wear and tear on the rudder
4. Manual Steering
Manual boat steering systems provide a hands-on experience as the operator has to physically engage the rudder as opposed to more modern systems like autopilots which can steer the boat without human intervention. The system consists of two parts, the tiller and the rudder, with cables running between them.
The tiller is turned in order to change direction or make turns. When you turn the tiller clockwise (left), it pulls the cable left; when you turn counterclockwise (right) it pushes the cable right. This action causes the rudder to move accordingly. Manual steering requires constant attention from the person operating the vessel. In contrast, an automatic steering device will automatically respond to changes in heading by moving the rudder according to a preprogrammed course. Automatic steering devices are used on larger vessels such as ships and tend to be less common than manual steering for smaller craft.
The advantages of using manual boat steering system
- No need for motorized power
- Faster and easier to maneuver
- Can be used in shallow waters
- More affordable than a motorized boat
- Safer in rough waters
- Requires less maintenance
Conclusion
In conclusion, no matter your experience, knowledge or skill level, there’s a perfect boat steering system for you. We hope this article helped you find just the right steering system for your needs and skill levels.
Neither of these systems are all that difficult to use and can be mastered with just a little practice.
If you’re unsure which system is best for you, we recommend trying out a few until you find something that feels comfortable and fits your needs.
