Hydraulic Rudder Cylinder in stainless steel 316
Repair of hydraulic rudder cylinder on the pier
Rudder cylinder block in Stainless Steel 316
Levi Hydraulic Rudder Cylinder
We produce our own hydraulic rudder cylinder for our drives. The material use is stainless steel 316 ( 1.4404) the same material like our Levi Drives. This is avoids any galvanic reaction in seawater between the hydraulic cylinder and the Drive Body.
Levi Drive Hydraulic rudder cylinder with boot rubber
The bushes and bearings of the hydraulic rudder cylinder are made from Vesconite (South Africa). A very good water lubricated bush and bearing material. Vesconite does not swell in water and does not need any lubrication. Water acts as a lubricant like in case of the propeller- and rudder bushes and increases it lubrication properties.
To avoid marine growth on the hydraulic piston shaft, we recommend retracting the hydraulic shaft into the cylinder when in parking position.
If this is not always possible, the hydraulic rudder cylinder is fitted with a rubber boot from a car. The design allows for easy installation.
repair of hydraulic cylinder on the pier
The seals are standard seals which are easily available in most car repair shops. We sell also seal kits.
To repair the hydraulic rudder cylinder it is not necessary to slip the boat. The repair can be done by undoing two bolts and lifting the Hydraulic Rudder cylinder above the water. No special tool are nessary.
Special design features:
- Produced in Stainless steel 316
- Rod Protection against marine growth
- Bellow mounting in front possible
- Water lubricated bearings (Vesconite)
- Water lubricated Rod End (Vesconite)
We produce differn “Levi Hydraulic Cylinder” for each Levi Drive
Dimensions of Levi Hydraulic Rudder Cylinder
| Piston Dia (mm) | Stroke (mm) | Pin Dia (mm) | |
| LD 170-150 | 30 | 80 | 12 |
| LD 200-200 | 30 | 110 | 12 |
| LD 240-250 | 30 | 120 | 12 |
| LD 280-300 | 40 | 160 | 16 |
| LD 320-350 | 63 | 240 | 20 |
| LD 400-400 | 75 | 320 | 30 |
Hydraulic Rudder cylinder in stainless steel 316
Levi Drive – Levi Drive Unit (LDU) Conversion
Levi Drive Unit (LDU) with inside steering
Since about 2000 we don’t produce the Levi Drive Unit (LDU) any longer. The reason for this was the vulnerability of the of the Levi Drive Unit (LDU) with its many parts and the dependency on the seals to keep the LDU water tide. Since 2012 we don’t stock seals for these models any longer.
The LDU is very long lasting product. Many Levi Drive Unit (LDU) are still around. The owners of these units have problems to find suitable seals for their drives
Levi Hydraulic Rudder Cylinder incl. attachment to retrofit aLevi drive Unit (LDU)
We offer a retrofit kit for such units. The older Levi Drive Unit (LDU) can be fitted with an external Hydraulic Cylinder. The installation requires some stainless steel welding on the rudder and drive body which can be done in a professional welding workshop.
To commence such project you need to find out which Levi Drive Unit (LDU) you have and discuss the technical problems with our engineers.
Stuffing Boxes on Levi Drive Units (LDU)
The Levi Drive Unit (LDU) still had stuffing boxes. They work well but you are not water tide. You need a drop of water now then for lubrication purposes. If you want to change to a new dripless shaft seal, feel free to discuss the technical issues with our engineers.