SteeringSystem - Revision history

WikiSysop: /* Powered Boat */

2016-04-01T15:52:28Z

‎Powered Boat

WikiSysop: /* Sailboat */

2016-04-01T15:45:07Z

‎Sailboat

WikiSysop: /* Sailboat */

2016-04-01T15:44:07Z

‎Sailboat

WikiSysop: /* Powered Boat */

2016-04-01T14:22:41Z

‎Powered Boat

WikiSysop: /* Emergency Steering */

2016-04-01T14:02:03Z

‎Emergency Steering

WikiSysop: Created page with "= Steering System =

Dear Reader: This article could be gingered up if you have knowledge in this area

== Summary == A steering systems consists of a steering con..."

2016-04-01T13:56:19Z

Created page with "= Steering System = <pre>Dear Reader: This article could be gingered up if you have knowledge in this area</pre> == Summary == A steering systems consists of a steering con..."

New page

= Steering System =

<pre>Dear Reader: This article could be gingered up if you have knowledge in this area</pre>

== Summary ==

A steering systems consists of a steering control (tiller, wheel, joystick), linking mechanism (mechanical, electrical, digital, wireless) to the rudder control mechanism, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sternpost stern post], rudder hinges and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudder rudder blade]. Mechanical linking can use cables, pushrods, or hydraulics. Steering systems must meet ABYC safety standards.

=== Sailboat ===

Smaller sailboats use a simple steering system with a tiller attached to the stern post. If you move the tiller to the left, the boat turns right; move the tiller right, and the boat goes left. A tiller is a horizontal arm that evolved from a steering oar.

Sailboats longer than 30 feet (9 meters) generally use a steering wheel. A mechanical linkage from the wheel controls the position of the rudder. Turn the wheel left and the boat goes to the left — turn right and the boat goes to the right.

Usually the linkage is a cable affair. On a larger sailboat the wheel also will be larger to provide greater mechanical advantage to the helmsman.

Possible failure points are:

* rudder blade from some mishap
* control cables
* quadrant arm on the stern post or rudder shaft

=== Powered Boat ===

In a powered boat, a steering system consists of a steering wheel or joystick on the bridge, a communications mechanism to the rudder control mechanism, and the rudder assembly itself.

Depending on their size, power boats use rack and pinion, rotary, or hydraulic steering. In larger boats (>150 hp) electro-hydraulic steering rams are the standard control mechanism; although DC [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stepper_motor stepping motors] are beginning to appear.

A wheel or joystick in the pilothouse has a sending unit to signal the rudder control. This can be an electrical signal relaying the position of the wheel or joystick, or a data network. Data networks are sexy, but they add complexity. They are used primarily to reduce build costs.
[[File:CarLightsElectrical.png|thumb|left|250px|Classical electrical system for car lights]]
Consider a car which needs to control tail lights, brake lights and turn signals. In a classical system, i.e., older car, four separate power/control leads must be run from the front of the car, where the main electrical system is found, through the cabin of the car and into the trunk and rear fender areas.
[[File:CarLightsDigital.png|thumb|left|250px|Modern digital system for car lights]]
With a digital system, a controller is located in the rear area with power leads going to the lights. A single power/control lead is run from the front of the car to the rear. This is cheaper because digital components are cheap, copper wire is expensive, making wiring looms is expensive, and installing looms is expensive, relatively speaking.

Possible failure points are:

* sending unit at the helm
* electrical or digital network from sending to response units
* response unit on pump
* engine or electric motor to drive hydraulic pump
* hydraulic pump
* hydraulic ram
* rudder blade from some mishap

== Emergency Steering ==

Steering is a vital single-point of failure, so a duplicate, backup or emergency system is advised.

@@ Line 33: / Line 33: @@
 With a digital system, a controller is located in the rear area with power leads going to the lights. A single power/control lead is run from the front of the car to the rear. This is cheaper because digital components are cheap, copper wire is expensive, making wiring looms is expensive, and installing looms is expensive, relatively speaking.
-The disadvantage is that when a digital unit fails, you can't repair it on the spot: you have to replace it.
+The disadvantage is that when a digital unit fails, you can't repair it on the spot: you have to replace it. If it's advisable to keep a spare, then your inventory costs have increased.
 Possible failure points are:

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:02, 1 April 2016
Line 45:		Line 45:
	== Emergency Steering ==		== Emergency Steering ==

−	Steering is a vital single-point of failure, so a duplicate, backup or emergency system is advised.	+	Steering is a vital single-point of failure, so a duplicate, backup or [[:Category:EmergencySteeringSystems\|emergency steering system]] is advised.
		+
		+	[[Category:SteeringSystemsGeneral]]

@@ Line 13: / Line 13: @@
 Sailboats longer than 30 feet (9 meters) generally use a steering wheel. A mechanical linkage from the wheel controls the position of the rudder. Turn the wheel left and the boat goes to the left — turn right and the boat goes to the right.
-Usually the linkage is a cable affair. On a larger sailboat the wheel also will be larger to provide greater mechanical advantage to the helmsman.
+Usually the linkage is a cable affair. On a larger sailboat the wheel also will be larger to provide greater [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mechanical_advantage mechanical advantage] to the helmsman.
 Possible failure points are:

@@ Line 9: / Line 9: @@
 === Sailboat ===
-Smaller sailboats use a simple steering system with a tiller attached to the stern post. If you move the tiller to the left, the boat turns right; move the tiller right, and the boat goes left. A tiller is a horizontal arm that evolved from a steering oar.
+Smaller sailboats use a simple steering system with a tiller attached to the stern post. If you move the tiller to the left, the boat turns right; move the tiller right, and the boat goes left. A tiller is a horizontal arm that evolved from a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steering_oar steering oar].
 Sailboats longer than 30 feet (9 meters) generally use a steering wheel. A mechanical linkage from the wheel controls the position of the rudder. Turn the wheel left and the boat goes to the left — turn right and the boat goes to the right.
@@ Line 20: / Line 20: @@
 * control cables
 * quadrant arm on the stern post or rudder shaft
-−
 === Powered Boat ===