Got a questions for the gurus...
Why is hydraulic steering desirable on a boat anyway?
If one just looks at the logistics, a hydraulic steering systems is much more complicated that a pulley and cable system. The hydraulic has a cylinder(s), all kinds of hydraulic hoses, valves, reservoir.... if the system leaks, it doesn't work... and there's several places to leak. If a valve fails it doesn't work (for that station).
A cable and pulley system is dirt simple, just cables and pulleys, and perhaps a chain and sprocket at the helm. Pretty easy to maintain and trouble shoot. And adding an autopilot would only require a simple electric motor and a capstan over one of the cables, plus some sort of control box. If a cable gets frayed, it still works and you have time to address. If a pulley sticks, you still have time to fix. And with reasonable maintenance that doesn't happen.
What am I missing?
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However, I do have hydraulic and it works well... but a LOT of parts.