Steering question

[Roddono]

Dumb question. I have a 1991 Carver 33 aft cabin with dual helm.

How do I tell if it has hydraulic steering or mechanical? If hydraulic does nobody know where the reservoir might be located. Upper wheel seem stiff.

Thank.

Ray…

[g36]

Hydraulic will have a fill cap on it right on top behind the steering wheel where it's mounted. There will be one at each driving station This is also the helm pump, purging air will consist of turning the steering wheel back and forth the system will then purge any remaining air. Heres a article I found that might help you understand and how to refill .https://www.boatingmag.com/how-to/how-t ... -steering/

[Roddono]

Source of the post Hydraulic will have a fill cap on it right on top behind the steering wheel where it's mounted. There will be one at each driving station This is also the helm pump, purging air will consist of turning the steering wheel back and forth the system will then purge any remaining air. Heres a article I found that might help you understand and how to refill .https://www.boatingmag.com/how-to/how-t ... -steering/

So no fill cap on steering wheel = no hydraulic steering? I don’t have a cap. My old Chris Craft did as I recall in that location. Anyway, thanks for the quick education, I appreciate it.

Ray.

[km1125]

Source of the post
So no fill cap on steering wheel = no hydraulic steering? I don’t have a cap. My old Chris Craft did as I recall in that location. Anyway, thanks for the quick education, I appreciate it.

Ray.

It depends on the system you have. If you have Hynautic brand, then the reservoir is likely near the transom somewhere, probably close to the rudders. Hynautics are a pressurized system and have a reservoir. There will be a gauge on it showing how much pressure is in the system.

I'd bet your system is hydraulic, given the size, vintage, dual station and that it's a Carver

If the lower wheel turns when the upper wheel turns (or vice-versa), then it's mechanical.

[Viper]

Even a pressurized Hynautic system usually has a fill port on the helm, it's just not where you top up the system from, and the cap is usually on there really tight to deter easy removal in case the system is still pressurized.

I would also think that it's a hydraulic system for that vintage, especially with dual stations.

Source of the post.....So no fill cap on steering wheel = no hydraulic steering?....

Not necessarily Ray, some helms can be mounted behind the dash so you don't actually see the helm/pump. In those non pressurized cases, there is a remote fill port located on the dash somewhere.

Source of the post ....If the lower wheel turns when the upper wheel turns (or vice-versa), then it's mechanical.

Agreed

[Roddono]

Thank you all. Will get back to post when I do some troubleshooting