Authorized Harken Hydraulics Service Center

Back in April 2016, The Rigging Company attended a week long certification to become an Authorized Harken Hydraulics Service Center. WE PASSED!!!

You can now bring your Harken hydraulic units or systems to The Rigging Company (or we can bring The Rigging Company to you) to have them serviced, repaired, and even replaced.

We sell, service and repair Harken hydraulic equipment, and can help identify parts and the correct service procedure. Compare a current Harken integral hydraulic adjuster or contact our hydraulic service team about your existing system.

The training covered Harken’s hydraulic pumps, panels, cylinders and service procedures. The photographs in this article document that 2016 course. For current system options and specifications, start with the Harken hydraulics range or contact us for help matching the equipment to your boat.

A double-acting manual pump moves oil on both handle strokes. Flow, handle effort, speed and maximum working pressure depend on the selected model and load; this does not mean every system moves twice the oil for the same effort. Handle and panel arrangements should be chosen for the installation.

Considering a change of manufacturer? Check installed and extended length, stroke, pin diameter, rated load, maximum pressure, threads, hoses, fittings and fluid compatibility before choosing a replacement cylinder, integral, valve or panel. Matching one dimension does not make a complete system interchangeable. Have the installation and any adapters approved for the exact components.

‘Ever think about adding a dump valve? Don’t know what that is? Well you may not need one then, but I’ll tell you anyways ;-0). It is a nifty release switch that can be installed in-line to a hydraulic vang (for instance). This valve gives access to release the vang in a jiffy. A handy device should you find yourself “on your ear in a blow”. Now listen up all you racers out there, while in Pewaukee, WI, I learned about the “string-pull dump valve”. This version of the dump valve allows you to release the vang from the rail by yes, pulling a line. This is the alternative to the dump button usually centrally located in the middle of the boat (Not where you want to go when the boat is wiping out). The last feature of their dump valve is that it utilizes what is called a “Flow Control Valve” which allows you to (VERY) finely control the severity of the dump action. This can be handy if you intend to use it for a more controlled ease, say around mark roundings. I know it’s geeky, but I’m just saying……SUPER COOL!

Correct assembly and seal lubrication are as important as the design. Use the exact Harken model’s instructions for seal materials, grease, thread treatment, fluid, pressure settings and testing. Do not apply a general “lithium grease on every seal” rule or assume any anti-seize compound suits every location.

As always these guys are staying true to their motto “Innovative Sailing Solutions”. Thanks Harken for giving the hydraulic sailboat market some options.

Feel like some of this talk is just too techy? I know what you mean. No worries, just give us a call or send us an email and we can discuss your options in more layman terms. Remember, at the end of the day we sell all of the products from all of the various manufacturers. So you can always count on us to point you in the direction of quality and reliability based on our experience….

Have a question or a comment, just click the title and write us below, we will reply.

~T.R.C.

Shop hydraulic rigging equipment. Select the manufacturer and check system pressure, cylinder and control compatibility.