HyDrive Hydraulic Steering Systems
HyDrive Engineering Pty Ltd began manufacturing hydraulic boat steering equipment in South Australia in 1966 and since that time, has been one of the world leaders in boat steering technology. The largest manufacturer in the Southern Hemisphere, HyDrive boasts sales of more than 600,000 units around the world.
HyDrive's huge market in small boat steeriner vessels, and larger horsepower on smaller vessels. Now, HyDrive has a product range which caters to all types of vessels from 5 metres to over 100 metres.
The pedigree of HyDrive steering systems includes a host of accolades and awards for design excellence over the years, including 4 Australian Design Awards, 2 Prince Phillip Prize Finalists, Premier's Award for design excellence, 2 Boating Industry Association awards for innovation, and several other commendations. Whilst this may mean little to a customer, it actually reflects the constant striving for performance and excellence that has made HyDrive a leader in the field of boat steering equipment.
For Outboards or Sterndrives
For outboard steering selection, the most important requirement is the amount of room available either side of the outboard motor. Unless you have a pair of very large horsepower motors, any of the kits, from the Sportkit to the powerful OBKIT1 using the 210BH cylinder, can steer your boat. The ultimate decision comes down to a combination of personal preference, your budget, and the amount of engine-well space available. The drawings provide you with the minimum space required for each type of cylinder. Please ensure that the measurement is taken at the narrowest section of your engine well - particularly with tapered wells, as the cylinder tilts down with the motor. Keep in mind however, that for some boats which have plenty of available space, or have the motors mounted on pods, the OBKIT1 using the 210BH cylinder may be the most practical for installation to allow for boarding ladders, ski-ropes, or other obstacles.
Outboard Kits
OBKIT1
The HyDrive Admiral series offers a full range of hydraulic steering kits for smaller powerboats from 5 - 10m with either outboards, inboards,stern drives or jet drives.
Each standard kit comes in a single carton with the following items:
*Admiral Series model 101 Helm
*3 litres HyDrive Ultra-15 fluid (Sportkit includes 2ltrs)
*15m (50ft) high pressure 3/4" od hydraulic tubing (except MercKit & VolvoKit)
*Installation instructions
*All fittings to suit
*Bleeder kit
*Cylinder type of your choice
210T and 210TSE Cylinders
A very popular cylinder type for outboards is the Hydrive tube-mount 210T (balanced) and 210TSE (unbalanced). It can handle the same horsepower as the powerful 210BH Bullhorn cylinder, but it is simpler and cheaper to install. The only restriction to fitting them is the side clearance requirements in the engine well.
Installation is very simple. The cylinder is designed to screw directly onto the outboard motor's tilt-tube or pivot-tube, in exactly the same way as a conventional cable-steering unit. simply unscrew the old cable from the motor, screw on the Hydrive cylinder onto the same thread, install the fittings and the hard work is virtually done!
Made of chromed brass, bronze and stainless steel, there are two versions available, - the 210T which is a balanced cylinder, and the unbalanced 210TSE which has slightly higher turns one way than the other. It's advantage is that it requires less clearance for installation.
They can also be fitted directly to splashwell brackets to replace any cable steering. It's really that simple!!
The Hydrive Tube-mount cylinders are also designed for use on any brand STERNDRIVE or inboard/outboard to replace the conventional push-pull cable steering system. the cylinder screws directly to the bracket or pivot tube provided for the cable steering unit.
These units are available in kit form -
OBKIT2 (balanced)
OBKIT3 (unbalanced)
Inboard Kits
For larger vessels, and those demanding increased protection from exposure to heavy conditions, the Model 210, 213 and 216 cylinders offer the ultimate choice in marine steering. Using chrome-plated brass, bronze and stainless steel, these powerful cylinders are ideally suited to both pleasure and light commercial vessels. Fully insulated to help prevent electrolysis and designed for in-field service, these larger systems are available in either kit form or individual components as required.
I
BKIT1
- Model 210 balanced cylinder (85KgM)
IBKIT2
- Model 210 un-balanced cylinder (85KgM)
IBKIT3
- Model 216 balanced cylinder (80KgM - ideal for small yachts with heavier piston rod and reduced turns)
IBKIT4
- Model 213 balanced cylinder (110KgM)
Side-mount Cylinders
Sportkit
Introducing the HyDrive Model 212T Sport cylinder which offers the power and reliability of hydraulic steering at prices which are more than competitive with many mechanical systems. This compact tube-mount cylinder is capable of handling up to twin 150HP engines (counter-rotating) or a single 235HP with comfort. It attaches directly to the outboard motor's tilt-tube just like the old push-pull cable steering! It also attaches to Stern-Drives in the same manner, and can be used on Sterndrive Power steering cylinders making dual stations very simple. The HyDrive 212T Sport is constructed of the finest stainless steel and fully anodised aluminum, providing low cost hydraulic boat steering. Like the other tube-mount cylinders, it requires only a little clearance to the side of the motor to fit (just 315mm). Installation is very simple. The cylinder is designed to screw directly onto the outboard motor's tilt-tube or pivot-tube, in exactly the same way as a conventional cable-steering unit. Simply unscrew the old cable from the motor, screw the HyDrive cylinder onto the same thread, 
install the fittings and the hard work is virtually done!
Available as a complete kit - Part No. SPORTKIT
Sportkit 2
HyDrive has a wide range of hydraulic steering for in-board rudders and jet units. The Admiral series provides a powerful and economical alternative to traditional cable and mechanical steering systems. Various cylinder sizes can be used with the Admiral model 101 and 102 helm units to provide the best combinations of torque for your boat. Single or multiple steering stations are simple.
For small inboard vessels, the 212 Sport is the ideal choice, giving very light and direct control for most boats up to approx 8 metres. The cylinder is made from the finest anodised aluminium and stainless steel.
This unit is available in a complete kit using the 101 Helm unit - Part Number SPORTKIT-2
For a full and detailed list of HyDrive products available from Storm Force Marine in Hong Kong, please see the HyDrive website