Service & support
Frequently Asked Questions
More questions about Hydraulics
- Can Holmatro hydraulics be powered by the boat's powered hydraulic system? Yes, Holmatro cylinders and vangs can be connected to most ship's power packs. Most powerpacks are 140 – 250 bar (2030 - 3625 psi) systems, where the Holmatro systems is a 440 bar (6382 psi) system. Cylinder size may need to be increased due to lower pressure. Please consult you nearest Holmatro agent with details on your boat's powered hydraulic system and they can then specify the best way to interface to the Holmatro system.
- How can I determine what hydraulic system would be best for my boat? The correct hydraulic system for any boat depends on many variables such as type of boat and use. The best thing to do is consult your local Holmatro agent and discuss your particular boat and what you want the hydraulic system to achieve.
- How do I convert the pressure reading on my hydraulic gauge, read in bar, to actual pull force in kg or lbs for my cylinder or integral?
Actual pull force is determined by multiplying the hydraulic pressure (bar) by the pressure area of the cylinder. See conversion tables: "Forces HCL" and "Forces HIA"
- How does a mechanical locking cylinder work? The Holmatro mechanical locking cylinder uses an extended piston rod with a long thread (equal to the cylinder stroke length). The extended rod is housed in an extended tube at the rod end of the cylinder. When the cylinder is adjusted hydraulically, the nut can be adjusted, following the movement of the piston rod. When the cylinder is adjusted to the desired point, the nut is brought up snug, preventing the cylinder from extending even if the hydraulic pressure is released or lost. The nut can also be set at a given point to act as a stop to limit the extended position of the cylinder. For example, if you release your backstay when running downwind, the nut can be set to limit how far the cylinder releases when the valve is opened.
- How much air pressure should there be in my cylinder? The normal recommended pressure is 2 bar (30 psi), with the piston rod fully extended. Max 7 bar (101 psi), with the piston rod fully extended. Be aware that this gas rebound decrease the maximum hydraulic pulling force.
- Is a control panel foreseen with a quick release?
No, Holmatro has a quick release which can be build into a high pressure line. The quick release must be placed on an easy reachable spot.
- Is it preferable to let some pressure in the integral? No, the stay must be slightly tensed when the integral is fully released.
- Is the safety adjustable?
Yes, the external safety is adjustable. The set screw is sealed. Read the manual for the procedure
- What information is needed to determine the correct size on a boom vang order?
Fax the vang sizing data sheet Vang Calculation. You must need to know E, P, weight of boom and weight of mainsail along with the placement of the boom vang lug and mast vang lug relative to the gooseneck in order to fill out the sheet. Once the sheet is completed Holmatro will recommend a vang size.
- When will switch an Integral or Control Panel to the 2nd stage? Both systems will switch over to the 2nd stage at 60-80 bar.
- Which connection has the gasfilling connection and what is the gas filling pressure for vangs?
Holmatro has a gas filling set (160.182.001) for a safe gas filling. Standard is 40 bar the Holmatro factory setting, maximum is 50 bar allowed.
- Which connection is used on Holmatro, control panels, cylinders and vangs?
7/16”-20 JIC-37° cone
- Why is there an airbubble in the gauge? The gauge is filled with glycerine, to damp the vibrations of the needle. For expansion it is not completely filled.
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