A Yacht Steering System Must be Responsive, Reliable and Safe
Yacht steering systems vary enormously.
If you've sailed other European yachts and you jump on a Hanse you'll be amazed at the difference in the steering.
Time after time as we head up Pittwater on test sails one of the first things our customers say is something along the lines of...
'Wow the steering is so light and responsive - there's no play on it.'
The astonished smile on their face says it all.
They love the tight turning circle and the fact that a small turn of the wheel gives a big change in direction.
So why is the steering of Hanse yachts so responsive?
Firstly, the rudder on Hanse yachts is long.
Almost as long as the keel.
A long rudder means the boat turns more readily.
This is because there's more surface area available to displace water.
It also makes marina berthing easier as you have more control.
And if you go blue water sailing your rudder won't come out of the water in a big swell.
Secondly Hanse use a rod and pinon steering system.
A rod and pinion system is solid and direct.
Every turn of the wheel is translated directly by rods and cogs to the rudder stock.
This gives you responsive steering with no play or give.
This also means the Hanse single wheel yacht steering is quiet...
... there's no creaking or groaning as you turn the wheel like you get with a cable system.
Many of our Hanse owners like twin wheel steering.
The main advantage is the easy access to the cockpit after a swim or when you're loading your supplies.
On twin wheel Hanses Jefa have designed a small length of chain to bridge the gap.
And is the Hanse Steering System Reliable?
As always with Hanse the motto is quality at every stage.
Every Hanse yacht steering system is built by Jefa.
Jefa Rudder and Steering are in Copenhagen, Denmark.
They have manufactured rudder and steering products since 1980 and they are recognised as world leaders in this field.
Let's start with the rudder.
Hanse rudders are made from weight saving aluminium alloys.
The inner rudder is constructed by a process of drilling and glue.
This takes more time and effort than welding - but it's worth it - welding would weaken the aluminium.
Aluminium 6082 is also used for rudder shafts, it will not corrode, even if it's exposed by surface damage.
Polyester glue is added on all contact places then the rudder stock is carefully glued to the blade.
The form is then filled with PU foam which expands dramatically and fills up any free space in the blade.
After a few hours rest, the mould is opened and the blade edges are finished by hand.
A lot of effort... but quality at every stage is what counts.
Secondly, let's take a closer look at the self-aligning bearings.
Hanse pivot the hubs with self-aligning bearings.
Here's the difference between self aligning and non self aligning bearings...
When a big wave hits your rudder the stock will bend.
The amount of bend depends on the size and strength of your rudder and the position of the bearings.
In a yacht with non self-aligning bearings (left hand diagram) the bend causes friction and heavy steering.
If plain bearings are replaced with self-aligning roller bearings (right hand diagram) the steering is totally transformed.
The steering is lighter and more responsive.
This is because the system is coping with the bend and the rudder stays properly aligned.
Of course self-aligning bearings are more expensive... but at Hanse quality comes first.