Cylinder 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 with two hose connections are PP (Push/Pull), Vangs with both are PP/PI.
See measurements under Product Specifications @ www.NavtecHydraulics.com
For Integral Backstay Adjusters, See Owner’s Manuals @ https://navtechydraulics.com/owners-manual/.
Navtec has produced thousands of Custom Cylinders and Vangs. On the Label, all of these have a “J” in the Model Number.
If your unit does not match specifications listed on-line, it is likely a Custom one, and more information will be required to determine the Model Number.
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 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 Panel, C-VI a System VI Panel, and C-VII a System VII Panel.
Current Panels are labeled as C-50 for a System 50 Panel, CM-50 for a System 50 Mini Panel, 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 a System V Face Plate (to fit an existing hole pattern), and there have been other variations.
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.
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.
Integral Backstay Adjusters
Q: I have an old unit Mod: IA7-6, Serial number: 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 @ aprox. 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 to be returned to functioning as new.
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 oils: Shell Tellus T15, Mobil DTE11M, Texaco Rando HD215, 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: In most cases, No. These are complex systems that require training and a variety of specialized Tools 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 CC, or send us shipping info then call w/ a CC.