Scout Boats 420 LXF, Owner'S Manual

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Helm Control Systems
4.6 Steering System
Power Assist Hydraulic Steering
Power assisted steering systems on triple engine
boats without the joystick option are hydraulic and
comprised of two hydraulic circuits: a manual sys -
tem, which is the control element and a hydraulic
power assist pump, which is the working element.
The manual system is hydraulic and made of three
main components: the helm assembly, hydraulic
hoses and the steering cylinders. The fluid res -
ervoir for the system is built into the power assist
pump assembly and the helm acts as a pump.
Turning of the steering wheel, pumps fluid through
the hydraulic hoses and activates the hydraulic
steering cylinders causing the motors to turn. A
slight clicking sound may be heard as the wheel
is turned. This sound is the opening and closing
of valves in the helm pump unit and is normal.
The power system is an electronically controlled, 12
volt hydraulic pump that boosts the fluid pressure
being sent from the helm pump to the steering
cylinders to provide “Power” for the steering system
which results in much easier effort at the steering
wheel, even under heavy loads. In the event of
a power loss or failure of the hydraulic steering
pump, the steering system will automatically revert
to a manual hydraulic system. The manual system
operates as described previously in this section and
will require more effort on the steering wheel to
turn the motors.
Steering Cylinders and Tie Bar
Triple outboards with hydraulic steering are coupled
near the tiller arms by tie bars that connect the
center engine to the port and starboard engines
which are equipped with steering cylinders.
The engines must be aligned to provide maximum
stability on straight ahead runs and proper tracking
through corners. The port and starboard engines
on triples are aligned so the engines are towed in
slightly (.25” to .5”) at the propellers. Engine or
steering system damage may require the engines
to be realigned.
Triple and Quad Engine Electronic Steering
Triple engine boats that are equipped with the
joystick control option are equipped with an
electronic steering system that provides precise
and responsive steering. The joystick control and
electronic steering is standard equipment on boats
with quad engines.
Typical Power Assist Steering Unit
tie bar
Typical Steering Cylinders & Tie Bar
The system is 100% electronic and there are no
mechanical connections between the steering
wheel and the drives. Each drive unit is turned
independently allowing improved tight quarter
maneuvering and the convenience of an optional
Joystick control at the helm.
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