Marine steering system supply, installation and servicing in the UAE

Failures in steering systems don't have a warning system. Fluid breakdown, corroded seals, and air ingress cause systems to stop functioning. The helm becomes bogged down, vessels drift, or steering is lost at the worst possible time.

Turbomot is the authorized UAE distributor of Hypro Marine steering systems, providing both sales and service of products for commercial and leisure boats. We are located in Sharjah and service any vessels in Port Khalid, Jebel Ali, Fujairah, Khor Fakkan, Port Rashid, and all of Abu Dhabi's ports.

About Hypro Marine

Hypro Marine has produced marine steering systems for forty years. They offer every type of standard steering equipment for every type of shipping vessel. For specialist vessels, Hypro Marine custom makes products and systems. If there are no products on the market for the specific application of a vessel, Hypro Marine not only creates products for the application, but also creates multi-functional systems that meet all the vessel’s requirements.

Turbomot not only provides the full range of Hypro Marine products for sale in the UAE, but also provides full support, including direct and full access to the manufacturer and their components.

How hydraulic marine steering works

The helm provides a steering force to the vessel in a closed circuit. When a helm makes a left or right command, the helm pump pushes the hydraulic fluid in a tube, through the steering cylinder, which in turn shifts the rudder to the desired direction. In bigger vessels, an electro-hydraulic power pack controls the pressure and shift control valves, directing fluid to the desired side of the steering cylinder as commanded by the helm or autopilot.

The system’s performance hinges on the integrity of the fluids within it. Any of the following can lead to slow or unresponsive steering: a compromised seal, a kinked hose or trapped air. This will happen more than operators expect in the UAE climate. Engine room temperatures in the summer can reach above 60 degrees celsius, which shortens the lifespan of fluids as well as the integrity of the seals and control surfaces, which leads to pitting and air pocketing. An operating system that showed no major faults in the cooler operating months can, without attention, become severely impaired in the hotter months.

Hypromarine systems we supply and service

At Turbomot, as the exclusive UAE distributor for Hypro Marine, we provide Hypro Marine represented brands under our distribution as well.

Core steering components

Chemical steering systems, cylinders and steering pumps, Helm assemblies and hydraulic power packs. Also included are the elements of the inboard or outboard systems and the directional control valve components.

Complete steering systems

Offset standard packages to suit a wide range of vessels based on expected engine configurations, operational profiles and engine displacements.

Custom engineered solutions

Hypro Marine can provide custom, specialized Hydraulics Control systems for vessels outside the standard product range. Turbomot operates custom hydraulic systems within the UAE.

Steering wheels

Commercial and leisure Schmitt brand steering wheels.

Trim and stability control

Lectrotab and Zipwake systems, and Zipwake control systems.

Surface Drives

High-performance vessels use the QSPD Surface Drive system.

Autopilot + Electronic steering integration

Glendinning electronic control systems. Dometic and Seastar Solutions hydraulic steering components for both outboard and inboard configurations.

Seating

Shark Seating marine helm seats for commercial and leisure vessels.

For full specifications and model comparisons, see our Hypromarine brand page.

Our services

Supply and installation

We provide the complete Hypro Marine steering kit and install across ship categories. For all new installations, Hypro strives to provide Hydro steering systems sized for the ship’s displacement, engine configuration, and the ship’s operational profile.

Hydraulic steering repair

Our hydraulic steering fault analyses and steering repair services cover repair of the following hydraulic steering faults; fluid leaks, faulty seals, corrosion on the shaft of the cylinder, hose, and pump degradation. Our repairs do not treat the steering fault symptoms. If a vessel is referred to us for repairs of steering faults within short timespans, there is likely a corrosion or fluid compatibility issue within the steering system. Replacement of components does not solve the fault.

Fluid servicing & system bleeding

Complete fluid flush(es) inclusive of replacement of hydraulic oils that are optimal for the temperatures within the UAE, replacement of system filters, and bleeding of the air from the system. Air is the most frequent cause of spongy or wandering steering. It is frequently neglected during service.

Trim and stability system installation

We undertake installation and commissioning Lectrotab and Zipwake systems in addition to calibrating systems to a particular vessel’s hull form and prevalent state of the seawaters in the UAE.

Autopilot integration

The installation and commissioning of autopilot systems that are fully integrated with the vessel's hydraulic steering, combined with the calibration of rudder position sensors and the integration of chart and e-chart systems.

Emergency callout

As part of our contract, we respond within 48 hours for repair of steering faults on vessels that operate within the regions of the UAE and dock within the Emirate of Sharjah, Dubai, or Fujairah.

Vessels and applications we support across the UAE

Why choose us for waterjet propulsion in the UAE

45 years in the industry

Operating since 1979, Turbomot has built its reputation on technical depth, honest assessments and reliable turnaround.

Genuine OEM parts only.

Every component comes directly from the engine manufacturer. No aftermarket substitutions unless the vessel owner specifically requests it.

Certified technicians

Our engineers hold MAN PrimeServ certification, FPT Marine service credentials] and complete regular factory training updates.

24/7 emergency support

Marine engine failure does not wait for business hours. Our service team is on call around the clock for urgent vessel engine repair across UAE ports.

On-site & in yard capability

We carry out repairs dockside, at anchor or at our fully equipped Sharjah workshop, depending on the scope of work.

FAQ's of our marine steering system supply, installation and servicing in the UAE

What are the first signs that a boat's steering system requires repair?

The first signs include delayed response when turning, steering that becomes heavier, a tendency for the boat to drift and steering that becomes spongy. Once air is introduced into the system, the steering becomes inconsistent and seals are affected. Any abnormal behaviour in steering should be diagnosed and corrected to avoid further damage.

How often does hydraulic steering fluid need to be replaced for a boat in the UAE?

It needs to be replaced more often. The salinity and the high temperatures of the Arabian Gulf tend to cause fluids to break down faster and the seals to corrode faster. Most commercial vessels that operate constantly in the waters of the UAE will need to have their entire fluid system replaced and cleaned at least annually.

What are the reasons behind difficulty in turning a boat steering wheel?

A problem in steering can be associated with binding of the mechanism because of finish or corrosion, internal pump the failed grease of the circuit or depletion of the pressure in the hydraulic system. The mechanical linkages have to be inspected and the pipe condition needs to be checked. Only then can the pump and fluid pressure be inspected.

How do Trim Tabs and Zipwake Interceptors differ

They both perform the same job of control of the pitch and roll but are quite different. The Zipwake Interceptors are more like blades because of their orientation in comparison to Trim Tabs, in that Trim Tabs are more like horizontal extension surfaces. Deploy of the Zipwake Interceptors results in create of lift with less drag and responds more quickly. This means that the Zipwake systems need no manual input from the helm over ride because of their ability to automatically adjust to changing sea states.

Can Turbomot implement an autopilot into a hydraulic steering system?

If the hydraulic steering system is in a serviceable condition, then yes. Autopilot installation with rudder feedback sensor and integrate electronic chart systems is a service we provide.

Do you think biofouling will have an effect on the system’s steering?

Yes. Heavy rudder biofouling on rudders makes them harder to turn, and the hydraulic pressure will demand considerably more energy to initiate the turn. This will work the pump, seals, and power pack rapidly, within an extended time frame. Routine cleaning of the hull will minimize the wear on the steering system and will increase hull speed.

Our Services

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    Need steering system support
    or a hydraulic consultation?

    We're the authorized supplier and service provider of Hypro Marine in all of the United Arab Emirates' maritime zones, such as Jebel Ali, Port Rashid, Port Khalid, Khor Fakkan, Fujairah and Mina Zayed in Abu Dhabi as well as Sharjah's creek and coastal facilities. We provide the fastest response for fleet operators with maintenance agreements and provide emergency callout support for steering failures in all UAE ports.

    Service

    Turbomot Marine Engineering LLC SP, Shed No 7, Industrial Area 13, Sharjah, U.A.E.

    Service Support

    +971 55 689 7215
    sales-service@turbomot.com

    Sales

    Turbomot Marine Engineering LLC SP, Mozon 5- Shop 9, Opp Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Industrial Area 6, Sharjah, U.A.E

    Sales Support

    +971 54 279 9937
    sales@turbomot.com

    Get in touch