Hydraulics or mechanical steering on 115hp rib

VCA · 27 July 2009, 19:45

We've had a rib for 9years (similar to the Avon 580) and last year the steering went. We're now on our 3rd helm and trying to decide if we need to move to hydraulics. We're a charity running activity holidays so money doesnt grow on trees but it seems that this might be the best option. Its currently an ultraflex system with a worm screw. Anyone out there still have a mechanical steering system?
Thanks

DJL · 27 July 2009, 21:30

I'd recommend Hydraulic - in my experience they are much less hassle. Although, its wise to keep some spare oil on hand to keep the system topped up.

Give Hypro Marine a call - they should be able to sort you out a deal http://www.hypromarine.com/

PeterR · 27 July 2009, 21:40

I always prefer hydrolic everytime .Less play and smoother.The downside if you have a leek you loose steering

BogMonster · 29 July 2009, 01:42

I've got cable steering on my boat with a 115hp - built in about 2000. The only problem I have is the wheel isn't centred because I pulled the guts out of the cable when I was re-routing it through the base of a new jockey seat and got it all back together only to find you can't realign the wheel...

Works fine for me, a bit of grease about every 3 months and no signs of seizure. There is a bit of play in the linkage which I need to sort out at some stage, and I can't compare to hydraulic as I've never seen a hydraulic system but it makes the boat go round corners OK and that seems to be the main thing

codprawn · 29 July 2009, 03:44

I have hydraulic but there is very little feel with it - a properly setup cable system offers great feedback - why would you want a no feedback system???

When I say feeback I mean just that - not what teleflex seem to think when they say no feedback - what they mean is no torque effect i think.

Cookee · 29 July 2009, 08:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJL

I'd recommend Hydraulic - in my experience they are much less hassle. Although, its wise to keep some spare oil on hand to keep the system topped up.

Give Hypro Marine a call - they should be able to sort you out a deal http://www.hypromarine.com/

What he said!

ps It shouldn't need topping up unless there is a leak.