VESSEL HYDRAULIC DEVICE MAINTENANCE

Proper care of hydraulic systems is crucial for safety and long-term performance of your boat – with the expert support of Condura Yachting

Hydraulic systems are essential part of every vessel and are used in a variety of ways. Rudders, side thrusters, winches, cranes, platforms, stabilizers and gangways all rely on hydraulics as a drive mechanism.

Complexity of these systems varies – from simple solutions for basic lifting and lowering operations to more complex devices such as stabilizers, aft platforms and steering systems.

Due to their complex role and wide application on yachts, these devices require proper and regular maintenance to extend their life and enable safe and efficient use.

IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR MAINTENANCE

Hydraulic systems usually consist of control units, distribution boards, hydraulic pumps and, most importantly, hydraulic cylinders. During winter servicing, when the most intensive preparatory work for the new season is performed, special attention should be paid to both the external and internal parts of the hydraulic system.
All internal parts of the system require careful inspection. Electrical joints that show signs of corrosion should be replaced, while joints with signs of burning require immediate replacement to avoid burning during operation, which could lead to serious problems and endanger safety of navigation.

Hydraulic systems are usually integrated into systems controlled from the engine room, so the control units are located there – easily accessible and visible.
Each system that is offered by Condura Yachting from their portfolio is equipped with safety protocols that allow it to function even in the event of a failure or loss of electrical power. This means that all these systems can be used manually in emergency.

EXTERNAL PART OF THE SYSTEM PROTECTION AND MAINTENANCE

The external parts of the system, due to exposure to weather conditions, require special attention. Any indication of damage caused by galvanic currents, as well as any damage to cylinders, connections or the device itself, requires immediate replacement of the damaged parts.

Devices offered by Condura Yachting are equipped with protection in the form of zinc anodes or aluminium/magnesium anodes, depending on the type of protection used by the vessel itself. If accelerated anodes wear is observed during a certain period of time, it is necessary to check the grounding on the boat, i.e. the correctness of all connections. The amount of protection required is calculated using a mathematical formula based on the weight of the metal below the surface of the water.

The hydraulic system uses the power of the compressed oil inside the cylinder as a drive mechanism, allowing upward or downward thrust, depending on its function. The quality of the oil is of crucial importance for the operation of the hydraulic system, because even the smallest impurity can cause a serious failure and lead to significant costs for the owner of the vessel.
Therefore, it is necessary to regularly check the level and quality of the oil and replace it when necessary, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. In the event that seawater and oil mix within the system, all parts of the system that have been exposed to the emulsion have to be replaced.

SERVICE AND SUPPORT

Condura Yachting offers its clients a complete service of all hydraulic components and monitoring of service cycles, which significantly facilitates the use of equipment on the vessel. They keep track of when, what and where to replace, making sure the system functions flawlessly throughout the entire stay on the vessel. Therefore, they recommend all clients to use this service in order to have maximum safety and peace of mind in navigation.

In their service centre, they provide repair services for hoses, hydraulic cylinders and all other parts of hydraulic systems. They also offer installation of new systems or replacement of the existing ones. Complete planning, installation and servicing of hydraulic systems are in the safe hands of the experts at Condura Yachting.
Contact this trustworthy partner, because the 2025 season is already knocking at our door.