Steering is one of the most critical systems on any boat — especially on a long-distance motorsailer that is often sailed short-handed. On Maja we have three layers of steering:
- Primary hydraulic steering (two wheels)
- Emergency tiller
- Hydrovane self-steering (independent rudder)
This combination has already proved its value during real failures and during the delivery from the UK to Spain.
Primary Steering – Dual Hydraulic System
The Nauticat 38 has two steering positions:
- Inside the pilothouse
- On the aft deck
Both wheels operate the same hydraulic system. This is comfortable and practical in different weather conditions, but it also means that a leak in the hydraulic circuit can affect both stations.
We experienced exactly that problem on the way from Sweden toward the UK: a slow hydraulic oil leak eventually left us without normal steering. The boat had to be assisted, and we later improved the system.
Below: Shows the improvements we made after the failure (including a bypass valve that makes the emergency tiller much more usable).
Emergency Tiller
Like most boats, Maja has an emergency tiller. After the hydraulic failure we added a bypass valve so that the hydraulic cylinder can be isolated. This makes the emergency tiller far more effective.
The tiller is stored ready for use and can be fitted quickly.
Hydrovane Self-Steering
In 2025 we installed a Hydrovane. This is an auxiliary-rudder windvane system. It has its own rudder and works completely independently of the main steering system.
Advantages for a boat like the Nauticat 38:
- True mechanical self-steering under sail
- Independent emergency steering if the main rudder or hydraulics fail
- No drain on the electrical system
- Excellent for long passages and single-handed sailing
The Hydrovane was new in 2025 and is visible on the stern in the full boat tour.
Real-World Test – Delivery UK to Spain & Orca Encounter
In late summer 2025 a professional delivery crew sailed Maja from the UK to Spain. During that passage the boat was attacked by an orca west of Gibraltar. The main steering was damaged and the crew had to use emergency steering for many hours.
This incident underlines why independent steering systems (Hydrovane + emergency tiller + improved hydraulics) are so valuable.
Philosophy
Our approach to steering is the same as for the rest of the boat:
- Redundancy is more important than sophistication
- Systems must be understandable and repairable
- Mechanical solutions (Hydrovane, emergency tiller) are preferred as the final backup
The combination of dual hydraulic stations, a properly set-up emergency tiller, and the Hydrovane gives us three independent ways to steer the boat.
Maja under sail with the Hydrovane
During the professional delivery from the UK to Spain in 2025, Maja crossed the Bay of Biscay. This video from the channel Sailing Nutmeg shows the boat under sail on that passage. It is one of the few public recordings of Maja sailing with the windvane in action.