Example 230 shows a cable driven cross-bar solution. The cross-bar assures a perfect parallel movement of the rudders and it's divided in two equal parts for easier installation and handling. The cross-bar is driven by an open wire system. This system is relative simple in construction, not expensive in purchasing and light in weight. The system is not as safe as a push-pull or transmission system as the safety of the system is fully defendant on the cable tension which should be regularly checked by the skipper.

The BS25 bulkhead steerer with a long steering shaft and support bearing was used in this case as the pedestal was very deep and the wire had to pass as close as possible to the forward bulkhead.

The (red) quadrant with integrated tillers arms for the cross-bar and the autopilot drive unit (green). As this cat is 52 foot, the direct drive type 2 is used. The quadrant rotates on the (silver) mounting frame shaft via ball bearings and a travel limiter (steering stops) are visible at the front.

The quadrant with mounting frame seen from below.
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Example 231 shows a cable system driving a quadrant on an idler shaft driving a push-pull system and a cross link over a traveller.

The link between the rudder and the quadrant idler shaft is done via the non-horizontal draglink which allows a height jump.

Seen from below, the quadrant idler shaft and wire idler. Extra levers are welded on the quadrant to achieve the linkage. This solution is totally custom made and not for a one-off catamaran, in this case the Nautitech Open 40. Please note the (green) autopilot drive unit type direct drive type 1.

When a straight cross-bar isn't possible, a traveller solution can be used to break the distance in two parts and to overcome some height disfferences.

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Example 232 shows a full open wire combined with a conduit wire system. This is a solution when a rod connection between isn't possible. The open wire allows a tight cable tension, so between the wheels, one won't feel a lot o slack. The conduit cable connection to the rudder can't be tensioned firmly (this will dramatically increase friction), so some slack (backlash) will be present.

To keep the system as smooth as possible, it's important to keep the amount of bends and the total bend angle of the conduit cable a small as possible. Please not the terminal unit near the quadrant combining the rudder stops with a sheave and conduit guide.

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Example 233: Very complex steering solution combining many functions as used in catamarans made by the company Outremer. The linking between the rudders is done with rods over twin travellers making the system to always steer parallel and easy to setup with the minimum amount of friction. Each rudder links to a tiller shaft on roller bearings, so the boat can be steered by manual tiller from two positions. Normally this would not be possible as the back driven steering system would give to much friction and inertia, but the quadrant is equipped with a disengagement unit remotely operated with a morse cable and mechanism near the starboard wheel position. The link between the wheels is achieved with an open wire system and the starboard steering position drives the starboard tiller shaft via a cable in conduit system. The DD2 autopilot drive unit (in green) drives the rudder independently from the steering system.

The starboard tiller shaft with quadrant and disengagement unit driving the starboard rudder shaft with autopilot drive unit.

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