C30 (2016) Steering loss

[SJCJACK]

Completely lost steering. Wheel is just free-wheeling, with no rudder movement. Helm reservoir fluid level very low. No leaks apparent at backside of helm pump, Garmin pump in starboard lazarette, rudder ram. No leak or standing fluid visible anywhere,

 

[SKing]

If you can't find fluid anywhere top off, and repost

 

[S. Todd]

Had that happen once on our R29 after the bypass valves were corrected on our autopilot. I could only drive it with the autopilot because there was insufficient hydraulic fluid in the pump reservoir at the helm. In our case there was a bad fitting used in the bypass upgrade and it leaked out the hydraulic fluid. It is relatively clear fluid and very difficult to see. Back at the marina I added fluid and we gained helm steering. Once I was able to order a replacement fitting and stop the leak we have had no more issues for years. If you really can not find the leak I would top off the reservoir at the helm and monitor it closely. I always carry a bottle of fluid and a tiny funnel now. Driving the boat down the fairway and into a slip without helm steer is an interesting challenge!

 

[SJCJACK]

Had that happen once on our R29 after the bypass valves were corrected on our autopilot. I could only drive it with the autopilot because there was insufficient hydraulic fluid in the pump reservoir at the helm. In our case there was a bad fitting used in the bypass upgrade and it leaked out the hydraulic fluid. It is relatively clear fluid and very difficult to see. Back at the marina I added fluid and we gained helm steering. Once I was able to order a replacement fitting and stop the leak we have had no more issues for years. If you really can not find the leak I would top off the reservoir at the helm and monitor it closely. I always carry a bottle of fluid and a tiny funnel now. Driving the boat down the fairway and into a slip without helm steer is an interesting challenge!

Thanks. We were able to use thrusters to get back into the marina, and the slip,,,,,sketchy but successful Just out of curiosity, which or where was the leaking fitting in your case?