STEERING GEARBOXES

While a fixed ratio steering system will prove ideal for the majority of smaller vessels, with the recent trend to the super yachts that can also hand steered a fixed ratio is less ideal.

In the majority of cases what will be the correct number of turns for sailing in heavier conditions will result in a lack of feel when sailing in lighter air or an a number of turns of the wheel that makes manoeuvring difficult in while docking.

The solution is to have a two-speed gearbox fitted within the steering system, which allows the overall steering ratio to be changed from a,

• High speed with a lower number of turns suitable for light air, maneuvering and docking to a
• Lower speed with a twice the number of turns suitable for heavier conditions.

In addition each gearbox is fitted with a neutral positionand shaft brake that allows the wheel to stationary when sailing autopilot.

Due to its small size the gearbox can be mounted in the pedestal and each shaft is adaptable to any wheel. For each gearbox the ratios are calculated to match each boat specifications.

Easy to install, light and silent, the gearbox offers to superyacht helmsman the pleasure of a sensitive steering.

STEERING HEADS

To ensure the steering system is correct, all parts of the steering system from the wheel to the rudder need to be considered to ensure the overall ratio is correct and the steering loads are not too high or the feel non existent.

All steering heads feature

• A full range of chain size and teeth numbers to ensure the optimum ratio.
• CNC machined chain sprockets and matching chain.
• Sealed stainless steel deep groove bearings to ensure low friction, smooth quiet running.
• all aluminium parts are anodised in our in-house anodisation plant to ensure quality and prevent corrosive action.

STEERING HEAD STYLES

JP3 Steering heads are available as either a simple chain sprocket, with any chain size and number of teeth on the sprocket or as vectran drums steering heads. The wheel connect can either a tapered shaft or a flange connection.

Custom wheel connections are also available to suit your wheel.

Chain Sprocket

Steering shafts are available in any lenght to suit your pedestal and attachment details are matched to suit you wheel.

All Steering head are can be supplied with optinal shaft brakes and wheel disconnects.

Available with 5/8'', 3/4'' and 1" chain.

Vectran Drum

With vectran drum the steering cable is connected direct to the drum with a clamp in the middle of the cable. The drum is wrapped by the cable in each direction with a number turns.

The Drum radius provides the ratio for the steering in the same way as chain sprocket

Available, Ø60, Ø70, Ø80 & Ø90mm drum diameters.