[MHml] hydraulic lines

[multihulls at steamradio.com]

Steve, I'm under the impression that copper is standard on larger commercial 
vessles, fishing boats, etc., but on my boat I use "marine steering hose" 
that is made for this purpose.  My run from helm to rudder cylinder is 27' 
and it would have been a nightmare trying to use copper along that twisting 
turning route.  The hose is rated for 1000psi and is probably cheaper than 
copper (certainly less labor cost).  

JP

In a message dated 1/17/02 9:34:27 AM Eastern Standard Time, 
stevel at otsiweb.com writes:

<< I am installing hydraulic steering gear on my 44' cat. The fellow doing the
 work, who is supposed to know about such things, wants to use special high
 pressure copper tubing, which would be run under the cockpit seating to a
 point where it would go through the transom and connect to the ram.
 
 The idea of copper, especially in a location that will be exposed to salt
 water, bothers me...but I don't really know if that is a valid concern. I
 seem to recall other people on this list talking about clear plastic and
 reinforced rubber lines a year or so ago.
 
 I do know that the hydraulic lines on my bull dozer are some sort of
 reinforced rubber, and they take enormous abuse.
 
 Any suggestions or advice?
 
 Thanks,
 
 Steve Lambert >>