Description
SeaStar Capilano HH0426 1350V Helm Pump
The SeaStar Capilano HH0426 (1350V) helm pump was a heavy duty inboard hydraulic steering helm used on many commercial and larger pleasure craft. It is a variable displacement Capilano helm with an 8.0 cu in nominal displacement and a 1-1/4 inch straight steering shaft, designed for high steering torque applications with Capilano inboard cylinders.
- New HH0426 helms are no longer produced. For most replacements and new installs, we recommend the Kobelt 7012 series helm pump as a modern, commercial grade alternative that can be adjusted to closely match or improve the original Capilano steering feel.
- The Kobelt 7012 is a variable displacement bronze and stainless steel helm pump with adjustable output (approximately 4 to 12 cu in per turn), watertight construction, and an integrated lock valve in many models. It is designed for commercial duty service and can be tuned to provide a similar number of turns lock to lock as the original Capilano 1350V helm.
Capilano HH0426 vs Kobelt 7012 Helm Pump
How the Kobelt 7012 Replaces the Capilano HH0426
- Similar application range: Both pumps are designed for inboard hydraulic steering on larger pleasure and commercial vessels with significant steering torque.
- Adjustable feel: The 7012 has a front mounted adjustment screw so you can tune the displacement per turn. This lets you match the approximate number of turns lock to lock that the Capilano helm provided or adjust for a heavier or lighter wheel feel.
- Commercial duty build: Like the Capilano series, the 7012 is built from bronze and stainless components for durability in demanding service.
- Compatible with typical inboard cylinders: When sized correctly, the 7012 works well with many Capilano style balanced inboard cylinders. We recommend confirming cylinder volume and required steering torque before final selection.
- Serviceability: 7012 pumps use standard hydraulic fittings and have available service kits, making long term maintenance straightforward.
Mounting - Using the 7012-0011 Adapter Plate
When replacing a Capilano HH0426 that was rear mounted (behind the dash) in a 1350 style installation, Kobelt offers an adapter plate to simplify the retrofit:
- Adapter plate part number: 7012-0011 (7012-0011A cast bronze finish, 7012-0011B black epoxy finish, depending on finish required).
- Purpose: Allows the 7012 helm pump to be rear mounted behind the console and to better match the footprint of many existing Capilano 1350 helm pump cutouts.
- Use when: You are removing an HH0426 / 1350V helm and want to mount the 7012 behind the dash without major dash rebuilding.
Note: The adapter plate and cutout template should be used to confirm bolt hole locations and clearances before drilling or enlarging the helm opening.
Steering Wheel & Hub Compatibility
- Capilano HH0426 wheel shaft: Uses a 1-1/4 inch straight shaft, so the original wheel hub is bored for this large diameter shaft.
- Kobelt 7012 helm shaft: Uses a smaller helm shaft, so the original large bore Capilano wheel will not slide directly onto the 7012.
- If you reuse the existing wheel: You will typically need a bushing or new hub machined to adapt the original 1-1/4 inch wheel bore to the smaller Kobelt shaft size.
- Many owners choose to: Install a new wheel sized and bored specifically for the 7012 helm, especially if upgrading the wheel size at the same time.
If you are unsure which approach makes the most sense for your vessel, contact us with photos of your current wheel and helm so we can help you choose between a bushing, new hub, or new wheel.
Typical Applications
Important: Always verify cylinder volume, required rudder torque, and system pressure ratings when selecting a replacement helm pump. Contact us if you would like help confirming the 7012 for your application.
Downloads and Resources
FAQ
Can I still buy a new Capilano HH0426 helm?
No. The HH0426 1350V helm is discontinued and not available new. In many cases we can help with retrofits to a Kobelt 7012 helm, and in some situations a rebuild of an existing Capilano helm may be possible if the casting and shaft are still in good condition. Contact us for options.
Is the Kobelt 7012 a direct bolt-in replacement?
Not exactly. The 7012 is a recommended functional replacement, but the mounting pattern and shaft size are different. In most cases you will use the 7012-0011 adapter plate for rear mount installations and may need to modify the wheel hub or install a new wheel.
Do I have to buy a new wheel?
Not always. If you want to keep your existing Capilano wheel, you will typically need a bushing or new hub to adapt the 1-1/4 inch straight shaft wheel to the smaller 7012 helm shaft. Many owners use this as an opportunity to upgrade to a new destroyer style wheel correctly bored for the 7012.
Will the steering feel the same as my old Capilano helm?
The Kobelt 7012 has adjustable displacement, so we can help you tune it to have a similar number of turns lock to lock and similar helm effort to your original HH0426 system, or we can adjust it for slightly faster or slower steering depending on your preference and cylinder size.
Can the 7012 be used in multi-station systems?
Yes. The 7012 is suitable for single or multiple station systems when installed with appropriate headers, manifolds, and piping. We can help you review your existing plumbing and recommend the correct configuration.
Can my existing HH0426 helm be rebuilt instead of replaced?
In some cases, HH0426 helms can be rebuilt using the correct seal kit and service procedures as long as the housing, bearings, and shaft are in good condition. Availability of parts and the overall condition of the system will determine whether a rebuild is practical or if upgrading to a 7012 is the better long term solution.
Do I need to replace my steering cylinder when upgrading to a 7012?
Often you can keep your existing Capilano inboard cylinder as long as it is in good condition and correctly matched to the vessel’s rudder torque. The 7012’s adjustable displacement lets us tune the number of turns lock to lock to suit the cylinder volume. If your cylinder is undersized, leaking, or obsolete, we may recommend replacing it at the same time.
What hydraulic fluid should I use with the Kobelt 7012 and my existing system?
Use a quality hydraulic steering fluid that matches the recommendations for your steering cylinder and overall system. Many installations use a dedicated marine steering fluid or an appropriate ISO 15 or ISO 22 hydraulic oil. Do not mix different fluid types. If you are changing fluid type, the system should be flushed thoroughly. Contact us if you are unsure which fluid is correct for your setup.
How do I decide how many turns lock to lock to set on the 7012?
The ideal number of turns depends on rudder size, cylinder volume, vessel speed, and how the boat is used. Higher pump output (more cu in per turn) gives fewer turns and a heavier wheel, while lower output gives more turns and a lighter wheel. We can help you do the math from your cylinder volume and recommend a starting setting, then you can fine tune on the boat.
Will my existing autopilot work with the Kobelt 7012 helm pump?
In many cases, yes. Most autopilot pumps tie into the hydraulic circuit rather than the helm itself. As long as system pressures, cylinder size, and plumbing are correct, the autopilot pump can often remain in place when upgrading the helm. We recommend reviewing your autopilot model, plumbing diagram, and steering cylinder specs so we can confirm compatibility or suggest any plumbing changes.
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