21EC Hydraulic Steering

[Sail1946]

Has anyone converted their 21EC steering from cable to hydraulic? If you have factory installed hydraulic steering how do you gain access to the hydraulic cylinder? If so how did you modify the self in the stern locker to access the hydraulic cylinder? I am thinking of an addition rectangular opening port. i am interested in doing this in order to add a hydraulic auto pilot.

 

[Gregg]

Good afternoon;
In 2009, we changed out the mechanical steering on our 21EC (after purchase) and installed a Raymarine hydraulic autopilot. It was relatively straight forward. The pump is located by the fuel tank, with the electronics under the sink. All easy access. There is an access port in front of the fuel tank to access the rudder cylinder ram - slightly less easy access.
Please see my pictures under Gregg for images of the work.
Regards,
Gregg

 

[Sail1946]

Greg,

Thanks so much for the reply and pix. A few more questions. Which helm and cylinder did you use? Were you able to secure the cylinder under the deck using only the existing access ports in front of the fuel tank? Did you have to attach the hydraulic lines to the cylinder before mounting it under the deck? Any problem bleeding those lines?

It looks like two of the hoses coming from the pump are going behind the fuel tank. Where are they going to?

What model Raymarine auto pilot? I was considering the Raymarine EV 100 autopilot, sea star helm HH5271 and sea star cylinder HH 5212-3.

Are you pleased with the result and do you find it is used a little or a lot? By will be voting mostly on Gulf of Mexico bays and sounds and some trips on the Gulf.

Mark