'87 11 Meter Express steering issue

[GeorgeG]

Hello,

New on here, hoping for some advise.

I recently bought a 11 Meter Express who's steering is REALLY heavy. In fact, It's a battle turning the wheel. I've been told that perhaps it needs it's hydraulic steering fluid changed?

Does this sound as a possibility, and if so how does one do that? I don't even know where it would be located on this boat?

Thankful for any advise on this matter by members that know this boat.

George

[prowlersfish]

While the wrong fluid can make it stiffer I dough that's the issue . I would first disconnect the hydraulic cylinder from the rudders and see how it turns . At that time see how easy its to move the rudders by hand . If the rudders are hard to move disonect one end of the tie bar and try it . This will determine if it one or both rudders . If the issue is with the rudder(s) there can be several causes . If your lucky over tightened packing could be the cause . Marine growth or corrosion in between the rudder and packing box can be a cause . Of course I saved the best for last , A bent rudder/shaft can cause this and is not uncommon .


As far as fluid I would use Seastar fluid or aviation fluid meeting these specs H-5606

From sea star web site :
"Recommended oils for your steering system are: SeaStar Fluid, P/N HA5430 (1 quart), HA5440 (1 gallon). The following brands are acceptable: Chevron® Aviation Hydraulic Fluid A, Esso® Univis N15 or J13, Mobil® Aero HFA, Petro Canada Harmony HV115 (in Canada only), Shell® Aero Fluid #41, Texaco® HO15 and other fluids meeting MIL SPEC H-5606-G.

Automatic transmission fluid (Dexron II®) may be used in an emergency. Never use brake fluid. Any non-approved fluid may cause irreparable damage, loss of steering, and cancellation of warranty."

[GeorgeG]

Thank you, all sounds like very good advise and a place to start. Thank you again.

[GeorgeG]

Go the steering all sorted out and drove her down from LA to San Diego. Ran great and all is well.

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[prowlersfish]

Glad you got it sorted out . What did you find with the steering ?

[Jimmy]

Glad you got it figured out, also anxious to hear what it was. Sharing problems are 25% of the deal. How you fixed it is the other 75%. I have an 88 11 meter and the steering is vey easy. Love the teak on the deck on yours. 11 meters are great boats. Hope you enjoy as much as we do ours!

[billdean]

Looked at your boat & others in So. Cal. Bought ours out of Madina del Rey & having it hauled up to No. Cal Delta fresh water next week.
'88 Trojan 370 EC in great shape! Planning some nice interior upgrades! Will post photos of progress.