Overview

The Simrad 000-15949-001 is a pre-made hose and fitting kit for ORB hydraulic steering setups that adds a SteadySteer flow switch into the plumbing on Simrad MKII autopilot pumps 1 through 5. It includes 5/16 in hydraulic hoses rated to 1500 PSI max, with 9/16-18 UNF hose ends and matching ORB fittings so you can plumb the flow switch without cutting and assembling hydraulic hose on the boat.

With SteadySteer active, you can steer a turn manually at the helm and the autopilot disengages while you are turning, then reengages once a new heading is established. It keeps course changes feeling more natural when you are threading a channel, making a quick correction around traffic, or hand-steering through a turn and returning to autopilot on the next leg.

Key features

• Fits ORB steering installations using Simrad MKII Pump 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5.
• Includes a SteadySteer flow switch so helm input can override the autopilot through turns and the autopilot can reengage after the heading settles.
• Pre-made 5/16 in hoses (1500 PSI max) with 9/16-18 UNF ends for clean, consistent hydraulic connections.
• ORB and UNF connectors included to integrate the flow switch into the hydraulic circuit without guesswork on fittings.
• Two 1/4 in NPT to 9/16-18 UNF adapters support common port transitions found in pump and manifold plumbing.
• Hydraulic fluid bottle and a filter funnel are included to help with refilling and bleeding after installation.

What’s included

• 2 hoses, 5/16 in diameter, 810 mm (31.9 in) length, 9/16-18 UNF to 9/16-18 UNF (1500 PSI max)
• 2 hoses, 5/16 in diameter, 360 mm (14.2 in) length, 9/16-18 UNF to 9/16-18 UNF (1500 PSI max)
• 2 T connectors, ORB-5 to 9/16-18 UNF to 9/16-18 UNF
• 1 right-angle connector, ORB-05 to 9/16-18 UNF
• 2 adapters, 1/4 in NPT to 9/16-18 UNF
• 1 SteadySteer flow switch
• 1 bottle of hydraulic fluid
• 1 filter funnel

Compatibility and fit

This kit is intended for ORB hydraulic steering systems using Simrad MKII Pump 1 to 5. Hose ends and fittings in the kit are based around 9/16-18 UNF, with ORB-05 and ORB-5 connectors and two adapters that transition from 1/4 in NPT to 9/16-18 UNF.

SteadySteer functionality is supported with NAC-2 or NAC-3 autopilot computers (software version 1.1.01.00 or newer), AP44, IS42, or AP48 (software version 57.3.163 or newer), and Simrad multifunction displays (software version 20.2 or newer).

Installation and setup

Plan hose routing before opening the hydraulic system. Keep bends gentle, route away from engine heat, and protect runs that pass through lockers or under the helm so chafe does not become a leak later.

After plumbing the flow switch and fittings, refill and bleed the steering and pump circuit until the helm feels solid and the pump runs without aeration. Once the system has cycled under load, recheck every fitting for any sign of seepage.

Maintenance and care

Check hose runs and fittings periodically, especially after work in the helm area, rigging tunnels, or around the pump. Keeping the area clean and dry makes it easier to spot a new damp fitting early, before it turns into air in the steering circuit.