Uflex UC168-1 Balanced Hydraulic Steering Cylinder

The Uflex UC168-I is a balanced hydraulic steering cylinder for inboard boats, connecting to the rudder through the tiller arm. It has a 1.57-inch internal diameter and a 7-inch stroke, moving 168 cc (10.25 cu. in.) of fluid. It produces 1,483 pounds of output force and 7,565 lb-in of torque.

Balanced means the wheel turns the same number of times from hard port to hard starboard as the other way. The body is aluminum, and it takes 3/8-inch fittings for high-pressure flex hose. Size the helm pump to the cylinder volume so you get a comfortable number of turns lock to lock. Inboard boats steer with a rudder, and this cylinder pushes the tiller arm to turn it, so its force rating should match the rudder size and boat speed. Uflex's selection guide helps match the cylinder to the boat.

Mount the cylinder so the rod moves in a straight line with the tiller at center, and check that it reaches full rudder angle without bottoming out. Fill and bleed carefully, then check the rod, seals, and mounting hardware each season, since inboard cylinders often sit in a damp area. For lighter rudders, the smaller UC116-I is also in our hydraulic steering systems.

• Balanced inboard cylinder
• 168 cc volume with a 7-inch stroke
• 1,483 lb output force
• Aluminum body, 3/8-inch hose fittings