Proper Hydraulic Cylinder to fit 28

[RobS]

If it were mine, I'd start by pulling that mounting foot forward just enough that the rod clears the trim tab recess and see how the geometry works out as to port and starboard arc. The cylinder is supposed to be mounted with have an offset to the tiller anyway.

[Alan_Douville]

I am losing about 1.5" from my measurement, which is significant for a 7" stroke. I can't blame the previous owner, as I am the original and only owner of the boat, so blame myself for not picking this up on the install. New large boat owner and never suspected it would be wrong.

I like that Hydro-Slave, that looks interesting!

[WillieC]

I think Rob is onto something. That could be a pretty easy fix.

[RobS]

Here's Tony's article on steering, the second half of the article addresses hardware, mounting, geometry, etc...
https://www.sbmar.com/articles/marine-h ... g-systems/

[Alan_Douville]

Thank you that article helps. I called the customer service line at SeaStar and they were less then helpful. Basically wanted me to rebuild my trim tab cutouts.

Reading this and talking to my mechanic i am going to try and move the existing unit with a slight angle to clear the box and see if I get full range of movement without stressing the cylinder.

Stay tuned...

[JackK]

I had to replace the steering cylinder on my prior '03 Flush Deck. There was an issue with Albin installing the wrong cylinder (undersized). I thought I could put my hands on the correct cylinder number but can't seem to. I would suggest calling Ken Hilton at Standish Boat Yard - 401-624-4075. Send him the photos and I'm sure he will point you to the right cylinder. I can almost guarantee that the cylinder arrangement you have is not factory. Before you go drilling and moving things, call Ken. He has the most knowledge of all the Albin variations and is more than happy to share it.

Tell him Jack said Hi

[Pitou]

Jack is correct that, like no other, Ken knows the Albin boats inside and out.

There's lots of knowledge inside Ken's head! I bought my 28TE through him in '06 and he has been a valuable resource ever since. Whenever I call and he solves the issue .. he gets the business. He's currently on the hunt for old stock for a window issue that I'm trying to address. Let him know that Kevin says hello too!

[Alan_Douville]

Well, in closure to this thread... After much studying, discussions and feedback sessions; My mechanic and I decided to just cut 3/4 inch off of the drive rod and see if that would still work. I had about 1" of extra room it looked like on the rod to play with. It helped a great deal, with that simple modification and then a recalibration of the Autopilot, I have almost full movement port and starboard. Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best...

[Nancy]

Glad that turned out to be such an easy solution, Alan! Check out this thread to see how we handled the limited turning radius of our rudder. viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5580&hilit=steering. You and your mechanic might want to think about a similar modification. Not much to lose to try it. Can always go back to original.