Description

Introducing the new S4 Steering System from R.E. Thomas Marine Hardware. The S4 is an entirely new commercial-grade steering system designed in collaboration with Lonnie’s Hydraulic Services in Topsham, ME (one of the premier marine hydraulic steering service companies in New England).

Together, we reimaged what a hydraulic steering assembly could be designing the S4 Steering System for maximum durability, performance, and safety based on over 50 years of manufacturing propeller shafts, shaft seals, stuffing boxes, and rudder ports.

Constructed entirely of stainless steel and aircraft-quality aluminum, the S4 Steering System delivers unmatched torque and pressure ratings while maintaining exceptional serviceability. Best of all, the S4 is backed by RE Thomas Marine Hardware’s uncompromising commitment to customer service.

These features make the S4 Steering System ideal for recreational and commercial vessels between 30′ and 65′ in length. In fact, the system was designed specifically for the increased torque loads generated in Maine Lobster Boats (aka. Downeast boats, picnic yachts, lobster yachts, etc.).

Key Features of the S4 Steering System:

• 100 degrees of total rudder movement with up to 50,000 in/lbs of torque.
• Heavy duty 316 stainless cylinders, rated to 3000 PSI. Designed and modeled from heavy equipment cylinders using high-performance seals and wear bands, with the easy assembly of a tie-rod cylinder.
• Precision machined from stainless steel and aircraft-quality aluminum, with no castings or weldments.
• Hi-performance Vesconite HiLube bushings eliminate “sloppiness” and provide high load-bearing strength, high wear resistance, and low friction without requiring manual lubrication.
• Dual-ported cylinder gland allows internal connection for the cross-hose plumbing, eliminating external tees and reducing failure/ leak points.
• Available in rudder bores from 1-1/2” to 3”.
• The subframe promotes easy installation while maintaining correct geometry between all components.
• Split tiller head design and removable bushing subplate allow access to the rudder box (port) for servicing.
• The subframe rudder bushing adds a third bearing aligned with the rudder shaft, transmitting all torque directly to the rudder shaft.
• Made in the U.S.A.

A Better Hydraulic Steering System Design:

We engineered the S4 Hydraulic Steering System based on feedback from customers and boatbuilders. The current steering systems on the market were found to be poorly designed and unable to withstand the rigorous workload on commercial fishing boats. However, the S4 is equally suited for owners of recreational boaters who are unwilling to compromise on safety and quality. By listening to our customers, we were able to identify the shortcomings of existing systems and create a new solution that is more durable, reliable, and efficient.

R.E. Thomas is proud to introduce this innovative product that promises to revolutionize the marine hydraulic steering industry.