How to Measure Capilano Cylinder Stroke

Tools & Setup

You do not need special tools to measure stroke on a Capilano cylinder. The following basics are usually enough:

• Measuring tape or ruler with clear inch or millimeter markings
• Masking tape or fine tip marker for marking the rod
• Clean shop rag to wipe the cylinder rod
• Flashlight for seeing the gland and rod clearly
• Helper at the helm if the cylinder is still installed

Method 1 - Measure Stroke With Cylinder Installed

Use this method when the Capilano cylinder is still mounted in the boat and connected to the tiller arm or steering linkage. You will mark the rod at one end of travel and then measure how far that mark moves when you steer to the opposite hard over.

1. Center the rudder or drive.
   With the boat secure at the dock or on the trailer, center the rudder or drive so it can move freely from lock to lock.
2. Turn the helm to one hard over.
   From center, slowly turn the Capilano helm to port or starboard until you reach the normal hard over position. The cylinder rod should now be fully extended in one direction. Do not force the wheel beyond the mechanical stops.
3. Clean and mark the rod.
   Wipe the exposed rod where it enters the cylinder gland (seal area). Place a small piece of masking tape on the rod and make a fine mark exactly where the rod disappears into the gland face.
4. Turn to the opposite hard over.
   Have your helper slowly turn the wheel all the way to the opposite lock. Watch the rod and confirm that it moves smoothly to the other end of travel.
5. Measure from the gland to your mark.
   At the opposite hard over, use your tape or ruler to measure the distance from:
   • The face of the gland (where the rod enters the cylinder body)
   • To the mark you made on the rod
   This distance is the stroke length of your Capilano cylinder.
6. Record your result.
   Write down the measured stroke and the cylinder model from the tag (for example, HC5351). This information is important when ordering a replacement cylinder or matching a Capilano helm.

Method 2 - Measure Stroke With Cylinder on the Bench

If the Capilano cylinder is removed from the boat, you can measure stroke directly by moving the rod by hand. This is often the most accurate way to confirm cylinder specifications across all Capilano models.

1. Secure the cylinder.
   Place the cylinder on a clean bench where it cannot roll. Support the body so the rod can move fully in and out without binding.
2. Push the rod fully in.
   Gently push the rod all the way into the cylinder until it stops at the internal end. Do not use tools or hammer on the rod.
3. Mark the rod at the gland.
   Wipe the rod clean near the gland, place a piece of tape on the rod, and mark exactly where it enters the gland face.
4. Pull the rod fully out.
   Pull the rod straight out by hand until it reaches the opposite internal stop. Avoid twisting or side loading the rod.
5. Measure from the gland to your mark.
   Measure the distance from the gland face to the mark on the rod. This is the full stroke length of the Capilano cylinder.
6. Double check your measurement.
   Push the rod back in, confirm your mark lines up with the gland, then pull it out again and re-measure. Repeat until you get a consistent value.

Tips & Common Mistakes

• Do not use overall cylinder length as stroke.
  Overall length includes the body and end caps. Stroke is only the rod travel between the internal stops.
• Watch for external stops.
  On installed systems, rudder stops, tiller arm stops, or hull interference can limit motion before the cylinder reaches full stroke. If you suspect this, remove the cylinder or disconnect one end and measure on the bench.
• Keep the rod clean and protected.
  Dirt or grit on the rod can damage seals when you move it through the gland. Always wipe the rod before marking or measuring.
• Use a thin, precise mark.
  A fine pen or pencil line on masking tape is far more accurate than a thick marker line and will give a more reliable stroke measurement.
• Consider helm and cylinder together.
  Stroke is only one part of the steering geometry. Capilano helm displacement and cylinder volume must be matched for proper wheel turns and steering feel.

When To Contact Tech Support

It is a good idea to talk to a steering specialist before running the boat if any of the following are true:

• Your measured stroke does not match the expected Capilano model specification
• The cylinder binds, feels rough, or will not reach the same angle to port and starboard
• You see visible rod pitting, corrosion, or oil leakage at the gland
• You are changing cylinder size and are not sure if your existing Capilano helm will match

Capilano Cylinder & Helm Services

FAQ - Capilano Cylinder Stroke Measurement