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Wesmar stabilizer hydraulic issue
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Russ Dykstra
5/1/2026 8:54 AM

We are currently in Belize and our stabilizers decided it was a good time to act up. We’re working normal the day before but now they will not hold pressure.

Talked to Jason Smith at Wesmar and tried backing off PRV to see if any debris might get pushed through. No improvement. Backed out the dump valve a bit and retightened and pressure came back to almost normal (700-900psi) but was jumping around a lot. Over about 15 minutes time the pressure steadily dropped down to 50-100psi.

We hope to catch a moderate weather window back to the US on Monday-Weds but not thrilled with the idea of no stabilizers for two days of 3-4 beam seas.

Any thoughts/experience would be greatly appreciated!

Mark Murray
5/1/2026 10:41 AM
Do you see hydraulic fluid leaking? Accuator, fittings, hoses, pump? Has to be one of these if you are losing pressure. 

 
Mark

Russ Dykstra
5/1/2026 10:54 AM

Double checked everything with no leaks. Tank level has not changed.

I’m thinking dump valve but I only have the install manual at this point.

Les Dobbe
5/1/2026 11:29 AM
 
PERSONAL NOTE TO CRUISERS:  When contemplating your spares, include hydraulic hose caps or plugs.  You can potentially disable, take of of the loop, one of the two stabilizers you have if you have a compromised cylinder hose, or potiameter on one side!

  • Actuator (Bi-directional) Valves: These "blue" valves control the flow of hydraulic fluid directly to the cylinder. They are modulated by the "brain box" based on input from the electronic gyro, sending fluid to move the ram and rotate the fin. They are designed to hold the fin in place via a closed system. They may be stuck open.
  • Bypass (Dump) Valve: This valve is typically "normally open," meaning if electrical power is lost or the system is turned off, the valve opens, allowing hydraulic fluid to bypass the actuators and return to the tank, effectively shutting down the system. Check all your electrical connections going to the manifold.
  • Proportional Control: Wesmar uses proportional valves, meaning they don't just turn on or off; they adjust the volume and speed of fluid sent to the actuator based on the required correction. 
    • You may have a contaminant in your pressure relief valve.
    If I remember, as I only "helped" with Wesmar systems, didn't own one, is the pressure on startup is like 750#'s That is the hex (female and requires an allen wrench).  While the engine is running turn the hex key.  If there is no difference in the pressure, then your relief valve is stuck open. 
      Also, explore your pump and cleaning the spool valve. This can get intense and may not be an avenue to explore without specific guidance. 
    Les Dobbe 
    5334 Emeritus, 60 Wanabee



    Les Dobbe
    920-915-6161
    “Nothing is so permanent as a temporary government program” – Milton Friedman


       
    Russ Dykstra
    6/9/2026 7:06 PM

    Wanted to follow up on this with results. After we arrived back in the US, ordered PRV and dump valve to start the process of elimination. The PRV replacement brought the pressure back to normal. Wesmar believes the spring in the PRV broke resulting in it not being able to regulate the pressure to the needed level.

    Appreciate all the help.

    Steve Covington.
    6/10/2026 7:23 AM

    Russ,


    Glad to hear all is now well with your system. I had a similar issue (no pressure) and through phone discussions with Westmar and Westmar experts, I ended up replacing my hydraulic pump - which all agreed was a very rare occurrence with these vane pumps. Turns out it was very rare as that didn't solve the problem.


    Long story short, it was a bad dump valve. In the investigation process, I did remove the regulator and clean, but never heard of the trick of adjusting the valve to look for pressure changes. That would have been a good thing to do! All working well now, however.


    Just as a reminder, I did switch over to the DMS electronics to control my Westmar fin system. The improvement in operation was immediately evident. A much smoother actuation and control of the fins. Definitely a good move for me.


    Steve

    Kallisto 5369

    Mark Murray
    6/10/2026 8:58 AM
    Steve

    What DMS system did you get?

     
    Mark
    Freedom

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