FAQs – (Frequently Asked Questions)

Rebuilding Cylinders Yourself

Q: I have a Navtec Integral backstay adjuster with the integrated pump. The release valve leaks oil and I would like to purchase a rebuild kit. Can I do the rebuild myself?

A: While we provide Seal Kits for all Units we make, The short answer is No.
Properly rebuilding these units to Factory Specifications requires a variety of Special Tools and years of practical hands-on experience. The reason yours has lasted so long without any problems is because they were built by us and/or have since been professionally rebuilt by an Authorized Navtec Service Center! In most cases only a Seal Kit (and Professional Service), will be required to return your Systems to functioning as new.

That said, there have been situations where Cylinders have been rebuilt by individuals or by a Non-Authorized Hydraulics shop. It should be obvious that rebuilding a standard Cylinder is easier than rebuilding a much more complex Integral Adjuster or Vang, and sometimes standard Cylinders are well rebuilt by a Highly Qualified, but Non-Authorized Hydraulics Shop – In our experience this is rarely the case with Integral Adjusters or Vangs. Sometimes a Cylinder will last a year or so before exhibiting problems, but, almost Inevitably, they have to be redone, usually requiring additional Parts and labor that would NOT have been required had they been done right the first time. It is not uncommon for us to hear “I had my Cylinder rebuilt 6 months ago and it’s already leaking”. Almost always it was done by “my local Hydraulics shop.” It only takes a nick in a seal from the lack of the proper Tool, or an unaddressed scratch on a Piston to cause premature failure.
It is always prudent to carry replacement Seal Kits for Cylinders, Vangs and Panels on-board, to prevent delay should any Authorized Navtec Service Center on your route not have them in stock.
Navtec Systems are sufficiently robust that there are no common failures in any other than the ‘soft’ items included with the Seal Kits, if units have been properly maintained and serviced. We strongly recommend that you have your Systems serviced properly to better protect your investment.

Cylinder / Vang / Integral Backstay Identification

Q: Can you tell me which model of cylinders and vang I may have, or how to determine it?

A: All Navtec Cylinders and Vangs are shipped with a Label designating Model Number and Serial Number.
If that Label is unreadable, you can determine which size unit you have by measuring Body diameter and Piston Rod diameter, and comparing with measurements under Product Specifications @ www.NavtecHydraulics.com
For some custom Cylinders and Vangs you may need to measure Pin Size, Clevis width and stroke, or open and closed Lengths. 
Vangs with an electrical connection are PI (Position Indicating) Vangs. Vangs with two hose connections are PP (Push/Pull). Vangs with both are PP/PI (Push/Pull and Position Indicating).
See measurements under Product Specifications @ www.NavtecHydraulics.com

See Integral Backstay Adjusters for Current Series 9 Adjusters. For Older Models, See Owner’s Manuals @ https://navtechydraulics.com/owners-manual/.

Panel Identification

Q: Based on the picture, Do you know what panel this is?

A: In our Catalog on-line go to Panels (under Product Specifications).
Based on your picture, you can see by the shape of the Panel Face Plate that yours is a System 50 Panel. 2 functions makes it a Multi-function Panel.
There are 2 different Pump options for this Panel, which cannot be determined from the front view. So you have either the:
A320-MF-01 System 50 Multi-function Panel w/ 1 Speed Pump, or the A320-MF-02 System 50 Multi-function Panel w/ 2-Speed Auto-Shift Pump.
To determine which, look at the Pump from the back. If you see 2 sets of Pistons (you may have to remove a Cover Plate) it is a 2-Speed Auto-Shift Pump.
On Older Panels (shaped differently) a Handle with a specially machined (non-flat) bottom indicates a Old-style 2-Speed Manual Pump.

Q: I have an older panel that is not shown in your on-line catalog.
How do I tell which one it is?

A: Look at the Label on the back for the Model Number. C-V denotes a System V (5) Panel, C-VI a System VI (6) Panel, and C-VII a System VII (7) Panel.
Current Panels are labeled as C-50 for a System 50 Panel, CM-50 for a System 50 Mini PanelCM-50 for a System 50 and C-8 for a System 8 Panel.
If the Label is hard to access or unreadable, Go to Owner’s Manuals and look at the various Panel Face Plates to identify yours.
Note that a Panel Face Plate is not necessarily indicative of a Panel type, as we make modern System 50 Panels with an earlier version System V Face Plate (to fit the existing footprint), and there have been many other Custom, and differently sized variations.

Seal Kits & Rebuilding

Q: From the Measurements under your Product Specifications I know that I have a A250-SE-030 Cylinder and a A850-VC-022 Vang. They were serviced by one of your Dealers about 19 years ago and are starting to leak again.
If I get Seal Kits from you can I rebuild them myself?

A: The short answer is NO. Properly rebuilding these units to Factory Specifications requires a variety of Special Tools and years of practical hands-on experience. The reason yours have lasted so long without any problems is because they were done professionally by an Authorized Navtec Service Center! In most cases only a Seal Kit (and Professional Service), will be required to return your Systems to functioning as new.
That said, there have been situations where Cylinders have been rebuilt by individuals or by a Non-Authorized Hydraulics shop. Sometimes a Cylinder will last a year or so before exhibiting problems, but, almost Inevitably, they have to be redone, usually requiring additional Parts and labor that would NOT have been required had they been done right the first time. It is not uncommon for us to hear “I had my Cylinder rebuilt 6 months ago and it’s already leaking”. Almost always it was done by “my local Hydraulics shop.” It only takes a nick in a seal, or an unaddressed scratch on a Piston to cause premature failure.
It is always prudent to carry replacement Seal Kits for Cylinders, Vangs and Panels on-board, to prevent delay should any Authorized Navtec Service Center on your route not have them in stock.
Navtec Systems are sufficiently robust that there are no common failures in any other than the ‘soft’ items included with the Seal Kits, if units have been properly maintained and serviced. We strongly recommend that you have your Systems serviced properly to better protect your investment.

System maintenance

Q: We are about to embark on a circumnavigation. I need to know the maintenance schedule to carry out on our hydraulics.
When should they be serviced? Should we carry any spares?

A: With widely varying environmental factors and usage situations, 50 years of experience has shown that there is no ‘schedule’ for maintenance of our Hydraulics, other than a frequent fresh water rinse.
Systems should be inspected frequently for signs of oil leaks and pressure loss. Should a Cylinder or Panel begin to leak or lose pressure, then it is time to have it serviced.
In most cases only a Seal Kit (and Professional Service), will be required to return your Systems to functioning as new.
Remember that loss of pressure in a Cylinder (absent a visible leak) is likely a Panel component (Valve or Pump) issue.
It would be prudent on such a voyage as yours to carry replacement Seal Kits for Cylinders, Vangs and Panels on-board, to prevent delay should any Authorized Navtec Service Center on your route not have them in stock.
Navtec Systems are sufficiently robust that there are no predictable failures in any other than the ‘soft’ items included with the Seal Kits.

A: Cylinders normally ship from the Factory w/ No Air Pressure to minimize length. They are often installed this way. How much Air Pressure to use depends on usage (Air is fine, it can be added with a bicycle pump). For many Boats, often 0psi is preferred. Do you want the Cylinder to extend fully (and the Masthead to go all the way forward) if you open the Release too much? This can sometimes be catastrophic. With 0psi the Mast will pull out the Piston Rod more slowly, essentially creating a vacuum inside the Cylinder. With 100psi (the maximum recommended) the Cylinder will release rapidly. Often the best solution is to fully extend the Cylinder, then press the Schrader Valve stem to allow air in at Standard Air Pressure (approximately 15psi at Sea Level). This will remove any resistance to the Cylinder extending fully. Remember, the more Air that is in the Cylinder is more pressure that you will be fighting against when you are pumping it down.

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Vang Pressure

Q: I write as a happy end-user/customer, with a few pieces of Navtec equipment on my 2006 J/65. It has a 30’ carbon V-boom (330 lbs or so), large mainsail and the vang has worked fabulously through the life of the boat.
I would like to know what the nitrogen pressure should be in this vang?

A: Vangs normally ship from the Factory w/ Nitrogen @ 600psi, you can bring that up to a Maximum of 1000psi using Nitrogen (or Argon) to increase the return force. Commonly, especially with heavier and Furling Booms, more gas is required to support them than the amount installed at the Factory, this is normally done upon installation with 1 of 4 special Charging Tools, and/or a Discharging Tool A851-TD-A.
Required pressures are usually set high and reduced in the field to accommodate the many variables including Boom weight, Vang angle, distance from Mast to Vang attachment etc..
This is usually done by your service agent.
If you’re happy with Boom height now, have your service agent check current Gas pressure for future reference.

We have seen a greater number of Yachts moving to more convenient Boom Systems. Furling Booms, primarily LeisureFurl & Schaefer are becoming increasingly popular, as are Carbon Canoe and V-Boom Systems. While eminently practical they are always much heavier than the Original Boom. Vangs used on previous Booms may not be suitable for the increased weight of these heavier Booms. Often these new Booms will require a Vang 1 or 2 Sizes larger than the Original. You are not alone. Contact us with specifics including current Vang size, whether the Vang attachment on the Boom is easily movable, and PCLC (Pin Center Length Closed) – the Length between Pin Centers in the fully retracted position. 

Integral Backstay Adjusters

Q: I have an old unit Mod: IA7-6, Serial #171 from my 1983 Sabre 34. Just this year it began leaking hydraulic oil from the piston shaft seal.
Do you still offer a rebuild kit for this unit?

A: Yes, we support all Integral Backstay Adjusters back to their origin in 1974, and Seal Kits are in stock, but the Rebuild should be done by a professional.
We recommend you bring it to an Authorized Navtec Service Center, but if that is not convenient you can send it directly to us.
Units are thoroughly inspected and rebuilt to original specifications and come w/ a 2-year Factory warranty. Current turnaround time @ approximately 10 days.

Q: I have a 40 year old Navtec backstay adjuster on my boat that is now leaking oil. Can this be repaired?

A: Yes, in most cases it will only need a Seal Kit and a Professional Rebuild to be returned to functioning as new. See Owner’s Manuals to determine which Integral Adjuster you have. If you have a Standard Cylinder, See Navtec Cylinders to determine which size Cylinder you have.
As always, we recommend you bring it to an Authorized Navtec Service Center, but if that is not convenient you can send it directly to us.

Oil Leaks & Repairs

Q: What Oil do you recommend for my Navtec System?

A: Navtec recommends the following ISO 15 Oils: Chevron (Texaco) Rando HDZ 15, Shell Tellus T15, Mobil DTE11M, Royal Purple Syndraulic 15. Never use brake fluid because it will attack the seals.
Oil should be checked periodically for cleanliness. Any particulate matter in the oil will decrease the life of the moving parts and may also cause malfunctions. The Oil Filter should be changed if there is any indication of pump skipping due to oil starvation. If using a system in cold climates contact Navtec.

Q: I have a 40 year old Navtec Cylinder on my boat that is now leaking oil.
Can this be repaired?

A: Yes, in most cases your Cylinder will only need a Seal Kit to be returned to functioning perfectly.
We recommend you bring it to an Authorized Navtec Service Center, who will evaluate it and let you know if anything more than a Seal Kit is required to return your Cylinder to functioning as new.

Q: One of the cylinders on my boat (installed in 1999) has oil leaking at the top. Is this a difficult fix?
What should I do?

A: This is not an unusual occurrence on Systems at that age. In most cases it will need a proper Rebuild with only a Seal Kit to be returned to functioning as new.
All Service work on any of our Systems should be done by a professional.
As always, we recommend you bring it to an Authorized Navtec Service Center, but if that is not convenient you can send it directly to us.

Q: Our Hydraulic Backstay Adjuster is leaking oil, it looks like it is from the top seal around the rod. The unit was installed by previous owners from new in 2000. I cannot make out the model number but the rod is 5/8″ (16mm) so it should be either Navtec 12 or 17.
Can I replace the seals myself?

A: The short answer is NO. These are complex systems and Properly rebuilding these units to Factory Specifications requires a variety of specialized Tools and years of practical hands-on experience to Service and Rebuild properly.
We strongly recommend you bring it to an Authorized Navtec Service Center, who will have the training and the Tools to bring your units back to functioning ‘as new’.
If no Dealers are convenient you can always send it directly to us.

Q: My yacht has an IA7-12 Navtec hydraulic backstay adjuster. It does not hold its pressure at 3000 psi. I intend purchasing a seal kit so that when I get to a Dealer I can have it repaired without delay.
Can you sell a seal kit directly to me? 

A: Yes. Especially with older systems it is prudent to carry a Seal Kit onboard to prevent such delays. 
Please send us shipping info and a Credit Card, or send us shipping info then call w/ a CC.