247
Choosing Hydraulic Systems
1. Cylinders 
Load and Pin Sizes: Cylinder size is determined by cylinder load and pin size. 
Stroke length is based on cylinder function. See page 232 to select cylinder. 
Double-pull, locking, and boom vang cylinders are also available. See charts for 
loads, pin sizes, and stroke lengths. 
Alternate End Fittings: Choosing the correct end fittings for your cylinders is 
critical. See page 233 for end-fitting options. 
2. Control Valves
Select valves based on sailing style and valve style, type, and functions. Choose 
between multifunction panel and individual valves, standard or Grand Prix 
styles. Single- or double-acting valves are based on cylinder type. 
Individual Valve Assemblies: Individual valve assemblies are dependent on 
how the boat is sailed. Determine if there are multiple or single control loca-
tions. Choose valve, manifold configurations, and panel types. See page 240.
Multifunction Valve Panels and Single-function Panels: Choose plate 
materials. Single and multifunction panels come with a 2-speed pump, pump 
handle, and reservoir. See page 241. 
Remote Dump Valves: Determine if there are remote dump valves required.  
Example: vang cylinders. 
3. Pumps and Handles
Individual valves require a separate pump. How many? Choice 
depends on oil volume, how fast oil must move, and pressure 
required. Select adequate handle. See pages 243-244. 
4. Reservoirs 
Reservoir Type: Reservoir type is determined by the amount of 
oil needed and pump height relative to the reservoir. Use a pres-
surized reservoir if it is mounted more than 1.5 m (5') vertically 
below the pump. Vented reservoirs are adequate under 1.5 m (5'). 
Reservoir Size: As a general rule, select reservoir size by adding 
up cylinder volumes and multiplying by 2. 
5. Accessories
Filters: Harken highly recommends a high-pressure filter 
between the pump and valves to keep valves working at peak 
performance. Also required is a suction filter for the pump to 
prevent debris from entering the system. 
Gauges: Remote analog gauges and digital transducers 
are available. 
Fittings: Plumbing fittings, additional spares, and spare parts 
available. See page 245-246.
Hose: Harken offers hoses and fittings for both high- and low-
pressure plumbing needs. Harken can also provide complete 
hose assembles to your specification. All high-pressure hose 
assemblies are flushed before shipping. See page 246.
Backstay
Vang
Multifunction 
valve panel/
2-speed pump
4-liter 
vented 
reservoir
Suction filter
Function
Suction
Return
Standard System
Function
Pressure
Suction
Return
Vang
Outhaul
Headstay
Vang
Outhaul
Headstay
Vang
Outhaul
Headstay
High-
pressure 
filter
3-speed 
hand pump
3-speed 
hand pump
Grand Prix System
String-pull 
dump 
valve
14 liter 
pressurized 
reservoir
Suction filter
Return filter (optional)
3-valve manifold/
pressure relief
3-valve manifold

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