My Chieftan project

[Watermann]

Re: My Chieftan project

Now there's some nice progress and quite the high tech looking steering cylinder too. Yah gas tank, I'm still in the what to do phase. Do you just have the one or one on each side?

 

[dozerII]

Re: My Chieftan project

Another SC with the iron back in her. Tell us about that steering cyl, is it a replacement for the one on the transom bracket?

 

[Weep'n Willy]

Re: My Chieftan project

Looking good Willy. That is a very good price for that poly.... must be with your good guy friend discount.

Front window for 90 bux is a super deal:thumb:

Yea, don't think that is a bad price at all for the poly....the real question is what he will cost for the cutting bending and install.

Now there's some nice progress and quite the high tech looking steering cylinder too. Yah gas tank, I'm still in the what to do phase. Do you just have the one or one on each side?

I have the dual tanks. Hoses are installed on captains side, going to install the other tank today or tomorrow.

Another SC with the iron back in her. Tell us about that steering cyl, is it a replacement for the one on the transom bracket?

The cylinder you see on the transom is the power steering assist cylinder. It stays. This hydro cylinder takes the place of the cable steering rod. It attaches into the tube that the cable steering used to be in. The head of the cylinder is threaded and screws into the tube then the rod attaches to the steering arm.

 

[dozerII]

Re: My Chieftan project

The cylinder you see on the transom is the power steering assist cylinder. It stays. This hydro cylinder takes the place of the cable steering rod. It attaches into the tube that the cable steering used to be in. The head of the cylinder is threaded and screws into the tube then the rod attaches to the steering arm.

So then, does it run off the motor mounted pump or one at the helm?

 

[Weep'n Willy]

Re: My Chieftan project

So then, does it run off the motor mounted pump or one at the helm?

Well here is the scoop. The helm unit is the pump itself. From the helm 2 hydro hoses run back to the new cylinder. This is the complete steering system, just like a cable steering system except using hydraulic fluid instead of a cable. The advantage is there will be no stiffness like can be experienced with cable. When you let go of the steering wheel the drive stays in place and does not wander. On my glasser when I let go of the wheel the boat has a tendency to take its own course, usually in a circle. As the hydro helm has check valves it will not allow the outdrive to move unless you physically turn the wheel. So basically you have no cable to worry about kinking or greasing. In anticipation of getting an autopilot unit most autopilots utilize hydraulic steering by tapping into the hydro system.

The power steering cylinder on the transom is also connected to the steering arm on the outdrive. This cylinder activates when the steering rod is moved via the hydro steering and makes an easy turning system (cable or hydro) even easier. So basically I expect 1 finger steering. The power steering unit itself is not necessary with the hydro system but since I already have it installed I got the cylinder that goes with the power steering system.

 

[dozerII]

Re: My Chieftan project

Well here is the scoop. The helm unit is the pump itself. From the helm 2 hydro hoses run back to the new cylinder. This is the complete steering system, just like a cable steering system except using hydraulic fluid instead of a cable. The advantage is there will be no stiffness like can be experienced with cable. When you let go of the steering wheel the drive stays in place and does not wander. On my glasser when I let go of the wheel the boat has a tendency to take its own course, usually in a circle. As the hydro helm has check valves it will not allow the outdrive to move unless you physically turn the wheel. So basically you have no cable to worry about kinking or greasing. In anticipation of getting an autopilot unit most autopilots utilize hydraulic steering by tapping into the hydro system.

The power steering cylinder on the transom is also connected to the steering arm on the outdrive. This cylinder activates when the steering rod is moved via the hydro steering and makes an easy turning system (cable or hydro) even easier. So basically I expect 1 finger steering. The power steering unit itself is not necessary with the hydro system but since I already have it installed I got the cylinder that goes with the power steering system.

Okay WnW, now you've gone and done it, where and how much:facepalm: I just put the new NFB Teleflex system in the Holiday and haven't even run it yet and I don't like the feel.

 

[Weep'n Willy]

Re: My Chieftan project

Okay WnW, now you've gone and done it, where and how much:facepalm: I just put the new NFB Teleflex system in the Holiday and haven't even run it yet and I don't like the feel.

Sorry bout that......... stand by for sticker shock!! But for the price I understand it is well worth it. The marine dealer that I spoke with stated that once you try hydro steering you will never want cable steering again. So I am really excited to give it a go. Talking with Ultraflex and the dealer they both recommended for my application the UP28FM helm pump and the UC 132-OBS steering cylinder. As you don't have power steering as I see from you engine you would most likely need the UC133-IOB steering cylinder. It too attaches to your transom plate where your cable steering rod attaches. You would then need 2 hydro hoses which I believe are 3/8" 1000psi rated which can be made locally at your auto store or you can buy the manufacturer hose kits.
I ordered the helm and steering cyl off Ebay (big cost saving), helm pump was 409.49 with free shipping and the steering cyl was 221 + shipping.

Now you have something to dwell on for a while :joyous:

 

[jasoutside]

Re: My Chieftan project

once you try hydro steering you will never want cable steering again.

At over 600 bones I'll have to live vicariously through you Bill, yikes! It's gotta be something pretty awesome I'm sure:thumb:

 

[cj8mule]

Re: My Chieftan project

$600 aint bad if it's setting you up for the auto pilot you want. You're using some good parts and doing a quality job on this rig WnW.

 

[Weep'n Willy]

Re: My Chieftan project

I have to agree it does seem like a lot of dinero for the system. This is one system the Adm was in full agreement on as if it makes her time at the helm easier when I'm setting lines or bringing in a fish then we all will be happy. So in m book that is money well spent.

 

[dozerII]

Re: My Chieftan project

Thanks for the info WnW, I am going to go with the NFB system for the summer and wait for a report from you on how you like the system. It would be a nice upgrade for next winter.

 

[Weep'n Willy]

Re: My Chieftan project

Not much pic worthy progress today. Got the rest of the pink foam in the cabin ceiling, got 2nd fuel tank in, hooked up tank selector and fuel/water separator filter. Installed the steering cylinder and took some measurements for the dog house. Things seem to be moving along rapidly and really not too much left to accomplish build wise. Spring should be coming soon....I hope.

 

[Weep'n Willy]

Re: My Chieftan project

Well it was bound to happen sooner or later. I have ordered a bunch of stuff for this project since I started and all packages arrived in a timely fashion. Last Monday I ordered and alignment tool, it was shipped out Tuesday 2 day Priority Mail. Tracking showed it made it to Elk Grove Village, Il and then vanished into the black hole. Seems there are a lot of problems with things that go through that sort facility. The vender was prepared to send me another via UPS so it wouldn't have to go through that place but lo and behold it mysteriously appeared on my doorstep today. Now I know why USPS needs to keep raising rates.......so they can hire some competent people to work for them. At least now I can get the engine aligned and install outdrive. It getting so close to water ready I can almost feel it. Oh wait.......we still have a buttload of ice on the waters.

 

[Watermann]

Re: My Chieftan project

Yeah ice out is just around the corner and it's best to be ready for it and not behind the 8 ball trying to rush some work. I still think Fed-Ex and UPS should merge becoming 'Fed-Up'

 

[Gibbles]

Re: My Chieftan project

"Elk Grove Village" yeah... that place rings a bell for me as well...

 

[dozerII]

Re: My Chieftan project

With this current weather system bothering us here, were building ice and gaining snow!!!

 

[Gibbles]

Re: My Chieftan project

Yeah... we are getting snow up in the canyons, and rain/slush in the valley.

good news with this is the lakes are getting water!!

woooo!

 

[dozerII]

Re: My Chieftan project

Yeah... we are getting snow up in the canyons, and rain/slush in the valley.

good news with this is the lakes are getting water!!

woooo!

Much needed water for you guys down there.

 

[odyssey350kc]

Re: My Chieftan project

just wanted to say what a great lookin boat you got there. cant wait to see the finished product.

 

[Weep'n Willy]

Re: My Chieftan project

Another productive day. Hydro lines arrived yesterday for the steering system, installed. Stbd side bulkhead installed. Stbd side gas tank installed! Carpet inside cabin, finished! Bow plate completed but not installed.

Yes, I know....no pics cause I left the camera on the boat.

Sat down and had a few beverages (the wobbly style) and put together the to be completed list for the next steps. Wow, it is really a short list now!

Plans for a road trip tomorrow changed so will get back to the task. On tap....install bow plate - bow light - planer mast. Construct seat boxes - plans in hand, carpenter buddy gonna lend a hand with the angles and measurements. Install cabin ceiling. Install the stern top tin, button in the rub rail. Pics to follow tomorrow.

So for the rest of the evening, a couple brews, a couple shots of shine and relax.