Kobelt 7012 Series Variable Displacement Helm Pump (4-12 in³ per Turn)
The Kobelt 7012 series helm pump is a variable displacement manual steering helm constructed primarily of bronze and stainless steel, designed for commercial and larger pleasure craft with inboard hydraulic steering. All 7012 variants share the same core pump, with an adjustable output of 4 to 12 in³ per turn and a maximum working pressure of 1000 PSI (69 bar).
The series is available with short or long shafts, cast bronze or black epoxy finishes, and options such as porting blocks and vent plugs. A built in lock valve on most models helps prevent rudder feedback and allows multiple control stations when used with properly designed steering manifolds and cylinders.
- All part numbers below use the same 7012 core pump – variations are in shaft length, finish, porting block, vent plug, and in some cases lock valve configuration.
- Rated for rudder torques up to approximately 3 t-m in typical marine steering applications when matched to the correct cylinders and plumbing.
- Type approved for marine steering applications and well suited for workboats, fishing vessels, pilot boats, trawlers, and commercial craft.
Key Specifications – Kobelt 7012 Series
| Specification | Details (All 7012 Variants) |
|---|---|
| Pump type | Manual, variable displacement helm pump for inboard hydraulic steering systems |
| Displacement per turn | 4 to 12 in³ per turn, adjustable from the front of the pump with a screwdriver |
| Maximum working pressure | 1000 PSI (69 bar) rating when used with suitable cylinders and piping |
| Construction | Bronze body, stainless steel hardware, watertight housing for long service life in harsh marine environments |
| Lock valve | Integrated lock valve on most models to help prevent rudder feedback and allow multiple stations. Some P variants are supplied without lock valve when an external valve is used. |
| Displacement adjustment | External adjustment screw on the front face of the pump – set for fewer turns and heavier feel or more turns and lighter feel |
| Typical wheel size | Preferable wheel diameter 30 to 36 inches at higher output settings; smaller wheels may be used at lower output settings depending on cylinder size and operator preference |
| Cylinder compatibility | Best with balanced cylinders on manual systems to keep reservoir volume stable. Can be used on systems with twin unbalanced cylinders when correctly plumbed and engineered. |
7012 Series Part Number Guide
All of the part numbers below share the same 7012 core pump. Choose the combination of finish, shaft length, and options that best matches your console layout and steering design.
| Part No. | Finish | Shaft | Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7012-AL | Cast bronze | Long | Standard configuration | Popular for pedestal or bulkhead helm positions. |
| 7012-ALP | Cast bronze | Long | Porting block | Porting block simplifies piping at the helm. |
| 7012-ALPV | Cast bronze | Long | Porting block, vent plug | Includes vent plug for easier bleeding at the helm. |
| 7012-ALV | Cast bronze | Long | Vent plug | Standard piping with added vent plug at the helm. |
| 7012-AN | Cast bronze | Short | Standard configuration | Short shaft version for through console or shallow dashes. |
| 7012-ANP | Cast bronze | Short | Porting block | Short shaft plus porting block for tight console spaces. |
| 7012-ANPV | Cast bronze | Short | Porting block, vent plug | Most fully featured short shaft bronze configuration. |
| 7012-ANV | Cast bronze | Short | Vent plug | Short shaft with vent plug, standard piping. |
| 7012-BL | Black epoxy | Long | Standard configuration | Durable black epoxy finish for exposed helm locations. |
| 7012-BLP | Black epoxy | Long | Porting block | Long shaft with porting block, often used where an external lock valve is installed. |
| 7012-BLP-K | Black epoxy | Long | Porting block, adjustment knob | Front adjustment knob for easier fine tuning of displacement. |
| 7012-BLPV | Black epoxy | Long | Porting block, vent plug | Adds vent plug for easier bleeding at the helm. |
| 7012-BLV | Black epoxy | Long | Vent plug | Standard long shaft with vent plug. |
| 7012-BN | Black epoxy | Short | Standard configuration | Short shaft for through console mounting, our most popular 7012 variant. |
| 7012-BNP | Black epoxy | Short | Porting block | Short shaft with porting block, often supplied without lock valve for systems using external valves. |
| 7012-BNPV | Black epoxy | Short | Porting block, vent plug | Short shaft, porting block and vent plug combination. |
| 7012-BNV | Black epoxy | Short | Vent plug | Short shaft with vent plug for easier bleeding. |
Note: Exact lock valve configuration and port thread details can vary by part number. If you are replacing an existing helm, please provide your current part number and photos so we can confirm the closest match.
Typical Applications
| Vessel type | Configuration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial fishing vessels | Single or twin inboard rudders with balanced cylinders | Adjust pump output for faster harbor handling or lighter offshore steering. |
| Workboats, pilot boats, small tugs | Single or multi station helm layouts | Bronze and stainless construction holds up to heavy duty cycles and exposure. |
| Trawlers and small ships | Inboard hydraulic steering with large diameter wheel | Variable displacement is useful to fine tune steering feel for long passages and autopilot integration. |
Downloads and Resources
| Notes | Link |
|---|---|
| Kobelt 7012 Helm Pump Owner’s Manual | LINK [PDF] |
| 7012 Product Spec Sheet | LINK [PDF] |
| Kobelt Steering Selection & Product Guide | LINK [PDF] |
| Need help selecting the correct 7012 variant | Tech Support Page |
FAQ
All 7012 models share the same internal pump. Displacement is adjustable from about 4 to 12 in³ per turn. Higher output (closer to 12 in³) gives fewer turns lock to lock and a heavier wheel, lower output (closer to 4 in³) gives more turns and a lighter wheel.










