263
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 criti-
cal. 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 locations. 
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 han-
dle, 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 vol-
ume, how fast oil must move, and pressure required. Select ade-
quate 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 pressur-
ized 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-pres-
sure 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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