Hydraulic steering and four strokes

DJL · 08 June 2004, 14:56

I'm after some advice...

I currently have Teleflex cable steering which I believe is rated to 300HP. However recently a large amount of play has developed and appears to be coming from the cable itself.

I have been told that four stokes have a habit of stretching steering cables and that hydraulic steering is the answer. Now this sounds slightly odd to me even though four stokes do produce more torque, but I have looked at some RIB packages and even RIBS with small four stroke engines have hydraulic steering and the same boat with equivalent size two stoke doesn't. I can't believe that’s just down to the extra weight of the four stokes as on the small engines the extra weight isn't significant. So do I replace the steering cable, which isn't cheap and I may end up with the same problem again, or install hydraulic steering which is even less cheap.

So, has anybody heard of this and is hydraulic steering the answer?

If so are there any hydraulic steering recommendations - most boats I saw at RIBEX had Seastar kit.

Thanks

scm · 08 June 2004, 22:35

Had Hydrive fitted a few weeks ago and what a difference, like a different boat. Well worth it. I still have the cable,fairly new, if that would be any use to you?
Regards
Stuart

tue · 08 June 2004, 22:39

Our club Delta has a 90hp Fourstroke and despite me fitting a new cable and helm less than 6 months ago the steering has already developed a scary amount of play. Unfortunately they will not shell out for hyd. steering. (still at least I have it on mine

)

simmons0 · 08 June 2004, 22:55

Hydraulic steering transforms a boat. Worth every penny.

Go for Baystar, basically Seastar for smaller engines.

Nick Hearne · 08 June 2004, 23:04

Hydraulic steering makes driving finger light, I have it on my boat & when driving anything with out it it dose make for hard work! Would you want a car without it these day's?
Nick

Simon Guest · 09 June 2004, 13:10

Hi Daniel,

I find this rather surprising. The classic recommendation is to go for hydraulic steering if your engine is over 100hp. I've never seen it on smaller engines like yours and mine. (Mine is 60hp 4 stroke, similar engine to yours, but carburretted.)

Of course, anyone with a bigger engine and hydraulic steering will enthuse about it. How many have it with a 60hp 4 stroke, though?

cheers,
Simon

DJL · 09 June 2004, 15:49

Thanks for all the advice and the offer of the cable.

I dismantled the steering today and the helm is a complete mess - the cables pretty knackered too. I think I’m going to go hydraulic even though i'm sure cable steering should be fine.

Now I’ve been quoted £464 Inc Vat for a Bay Star kit - rated to 150HP, probably more than adequate for my use...or should I spend a little more and get the Sea Star stuff.

Thanks again

Nick Hearne · 09 June 2004, 16:02

A alternative by Hydrive same price!
Nick

http://www.bosunsmate.co.uk/hydrive.htm

"We are now supplying systems from Hydrive. These are made in Australia, are well priced, and extremely good quality. They are suitable for outboards and inboards/jet units, and some special kits enable easy fitting to catamarans. Strong, reliable and adaptable to most applications, hydraulic steering insulates the helmsman from all feedback. This is useful on big RIBs and all other powerboats in rough water, and helps keep tiredness at bay.

Prices vary depending on the horsepower, type of hose and the style of ram best suited to your boat. Systems start from £395 + VAT.

A full kit will require a helm unit, oil, 2 hoses, a hydraulic ram, a drag link and a connecting bar for dual motor installations. And don't forget to choose one of our stylish wheels."

Louise · 09 June 2004, 16:10

Hi Daniel,

Just been looking on the Seastar website and it doesn't really explain the difference between the two systems (Seastar & Baystar) other than the HP rating. You could try contacting the UK distributor www.hypromarine.com and asking them? HTH.

Just found this which may help: http://www.seastarsteering.com/PDFs/SL6001-11.pdf

DJL · 09 June 2004, 18:42

Thanks Nick & Louise,

I've been price hunting today and I can get the Bay Star for £395 and the Sea Star for £700 (both including VAT..etc)

Apparently the Bay Star helm is made from plastic and a few people have reservations about it surviving me hanging on it in rough weather. I have been offered the Bay Star cylinder and a Sea Star helm and hoses, for about £580.

Something for me to mull over tonight anyway...people who know how I drive will understand why I'm considering the Sea Star

Richard B · 09 June 2004, 20:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJL

people who know how I drive will understand why I'm considering the Sea Star

Hmmm... good point! We couldn't shake you off last Saturday

I'll try to find a few piccies...
(PS thought you were up for the Sunday jaunt?)

Richard Taylor · 09 June 2004, 21:14

Hi

I asked a very similar question some months ago, and got lots of good advice. Ive now had a BayStar system fitted to my Avon/90HP 4 stroke Suzuki and it has indeed changed the boat totally.

Rick

DJL · 09 June 2004, 21:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard B

PS thought you were up for the Sunday jaunt?

Hi Richard,

Sorry about that. I was really looking forward to coming but I didn't get home until 4.30am and then I slept through my alarm

. It looks like you had a fantastic time too..

Matt · 09 June 2004, 21:21

I'm also looking for components for hydraulic steering, this time to fit bravo's not o/b's, but if on yer search any good used bits I could use crop up, please give me a shout. I'm sure a 'finders fee' of some description would be forthcoming.

roohairy · 09 June 2004, 23:13

Is there something wrong with Vetus hydraulic steering? £395.98 inc vat for a complete outboard kit to 175Hp. I've got a vetus helm pump on an inboard diesel and can't fault it, certainly seems good and strong. Anyone know better?

whitingiom · 10 June 2004, 10:28

The manual cable on my boat is knackered, and was thinking of just replacing it......now I'm wondering if hydraulic is the way to go (This would find favour with my 6 year old who complains he can't turn it fast enough!)

What is the cost difference (approx obviously) between a manual kit and a hydraulic suitable for a 70hp?

Pete7 · 10 June 2004, 10:47

Just noticed K4 offering both seastar and baystar at good prices

http://www.k4plus.com/shop.asp?catid=2

Pete

Louise · 10 June 2004, 10:59

Hi Pete,

Good to see you at the weekend.

I haven't yet done the maths on the Seastar kit but the Baystar prices quoted on the K4+ site appear to be just the retail price suggested by Hypromarine with the necessary VAT added on. Or am I missing something?

DJL · 10 June 2004, 19:57

I got a very, very good deal on Sea Star kit. The Bay Star helm was pretty flimsy.

Spent the day installing it and still not finished. Had to take the A-frame off, relocated the fuel filter and outboard lock. Anyway should be finished ready for a test tomorrow afternoon

I would highly recommend anyone after Sea Start kit to contact Hypro Marine. They are extremely friendly, helpful and they’ll do you a good deal too. They're located in Lymington and have just about everything in stock.

simmons0 · 10 June 2004, 20:33

Lets hope you connected the hoses the right way round.
Someone on these forums didn't