Steering

Peter Smith · 09 March 2006, 14:50

Hi All

I have just been advised that my steering system needs replacing and wondered if anybody had any opinions on the merits of cable or hydraulic systems.

Currently the boat has a cable systems which has lasted 3 years but I am wondering if it is worth paying extra for the hydraulic one.

Any input appreciated.

Thanks
Peter

Ribshop · 09 March 2006, 14:52

Go for hydraulic, once you have got it you will never go back to cable, and it does not go rusty and need replacing. Sea star is the bets unit for the price we have found.

George8910 · 09 March 2006, 15:05

Three years doesn't sound very long for a cable to last - especially if you funnel some oil down every now and then - hydraulic is nice but hugely more expensive, maybe only worth it over a certain outboard size?

Peter Smith · 09 March 2006, 15:06

Thanks for your comments.

Peter

Under the Thumb · 09 March 2006, 15:30

Does hyd steering reduce the feedback and feeling you get from a cable system. My 150 Opti is on cable and it is a little bit heavy on the wheel at times is hydraulic the way forward?

Thanks

Will

Pete7 · 09 March 2006, 16:23

Might be worth checking out the price of a new cable (less helm unit) and comparing that to hydraulic steering first. Length of the steering cable should be written on it. It can be a DIY job with a couple of friends.

I am assuming the helm unit is well greased, it is isn't it ? 5 minutes with a grease gun and 10 minutes moving it back and forth might be all you need if it was fitted and not properly greased when new.

Pete

swginn · 09 March 2006, 16:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Under the Thumb

Does hyd steering reduce the feedback and feeling you get from a cable system. My 150 Opti is on cable and it is a little bit heavy on the wheel at times is hydraulic the way forward?

Thanks

Will

Definitely!! Cable steering with a 150 Opti, are you mad!! Have Seastar Pro on our Opti 150 and it's effortless! One of the most worthwhile upgrades there is IMHO!!

Andy_Rs600 · 09 March 2006, 18:16

We used to have cable on our 150 Opti and it was aweful. Finally convinced them to shell out for hydrulic, and the difference is awesome. I'd put hydrulic on anything over 75hp.

Searider · 09 March 2006, 19:45

Had cable on my 5.4m Searider with 90hp Mariner. Was a bit heavy but only two turns lock to lock - great for levelling the boat in flight and on landing. Broke one of the teeth off the helm unit after about 5 years. £80 all fixed. vs £400 + for a hydraulic system. You pays your money and takes your choice!
Cable was still fine.
No real tendency to wind itself off to one side if the boat was correctly trimmed.

Have hydraulic on the Scorpion. It's effortless but about 5 turns lock to lock. Fairly useless for adjusting the attitude of the boat in flight. Not tiring to helm for a long time.
May be looking at getting a higher volume helm unit to speed the steering up a bit.

stevetheboat · 09 March 2006, 20:21

We have the new baby Seastar system from Teleflex (Baystar) in stock now and is ideal for any outboard up to 150hp. More economically priced yet still built to the same standards as its bigger brother as described here by others with 150+ hp outboards.

We have one fitted to our 720 with a 150 2 stroke on it and it is superbly smooth and responsive with no feed back at all.

Drop me a PM if you want further info.