Hydraulic steering

bottomfisher · 07-03-12, 10:38 AM

What's up fellas.. Looking to upgrade to hydraulic steering on my 06' xpress X-17 with 06' 115 4S Yamaha. I know it's typically not recommended till 150 HP, but I'm still wanting the luxury of having it. I'm not looking to be talked into or out of installing it, as I'm 100% sure I'm want to. I'm looking for recommendations on "quality" makes and models from you guys that have experience with them. Thanks

MississippiBoy · 07-03-12, 10:42 AM

I don't have any experience with hydraulic steering, but the biggest brand out there is the Seastar and Baystar systems by Teleflex. The Baystar is for up to 150hp motors, the Seastar is for 150hp+.

bamabassman · 07-03-12, 12:40 PM

this is interesting. what is the cost of this?

lilmule · 07-03-12, 12:59 PM

Basically baystar to 60mph,seastar thereafter,cost for seastar is more about 900 but can be had at times for less,installation is the harder part one often has to cut a hole for the wheel pump.That small no feedback steering would do nicely for about 400.
Few years ago their cost was well over 1000 they have come down,one went for 699 the other day on ebay and was a seastar.
I almost bought a 201 pro the other day he had hydraulic steering and was taking it off replacing with standard all because new he gave 1300 for it used now worth 300-400 same as a new standard setup when buying it all,cost him a sale.
On a small rig like that almost overkill,the normal teleflex nofeedback steering wont be hard to install or operate.

bassboogieman · 07-03-12, 01:12 PM

I have to agree with lilmule, the benifit vs expense (on your boat), not to mention installation & modifications to accept the hydraulic pump, is a bit much. A no-feedback cable steering would be a simple upgrade with no mods to fit a pump. But it's your boat and your money, spend it as you like. If you're set on hydraulic then Baystar would be the way to go.

Captmikestarrett · 07-04-12, 08:08 PM

I have Seastar on my last two big boats 21 and 22. After four or five years the seals tend to weep and leak a bit. After 12 years they pour fluid out. The kits to replace them are not expensive but a major pain to remove the castle nuts on the slide shaft. It is a odd feeling to not have steering to port at 40 mph.. So you need to check and fill every time you go out.

I think it is overkill for setup. The no feedback however is a good idea.

Capt Mike

07-03-12, 10:38 AM	#1
bottomfisher BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Addis, LA Posts: 13	Hydraulic steering What's up fellas.. Looking to upgrade to hydraulic steering on my 06' xpress X-17 with 06' 115 4S Yamaha. I know it's typically not recommended till 150 HP, but I'm still wanting the luxury of having it. I'm not looking to be talked into or out of installing it, as I'm 100% sure I'm want to. I'm looking for recommendations on "quality" makes and models from you guys that have experience with them. Thanks

07-03-12, 10:42 AM	#2
MississippiBoy BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: May 2007 Location: Ridgeland MS Posts: 3,923	I don't have any experience with hydraulic steering, but the biggest brand out there is the Seastar and Baystar systems by Teleflex. The Baystar is for up to 150hp motors, the Seastar is for 150hp+. __________________ I smell smoke, and I hear sirens. Do you think that's a problem?

07-03-12, 12:40 PM	#3
bamabassman BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: cedar bluff, alabama Posts: 15,292	this is interesting. what is the cost of this? __________________ so many lures, so little time.

07-04-12, 08:08 PM	#6
Captmikestarrett BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: May 2006 Location: Accokeek MD Posts: 3,315	I have Seastar on my last two big boats 21 and 22. After four or five years the seals tend to weep and leak a bit. After 12 years they pour fluid out. The kits to replace them are not expensive but a major pain to remove the castle nuts on the slide shaft. It is a odd feeling to not have steering to port at 40 mph.. So you need to check and fill every time you go out. I think it is overkill for setup. The no feedback however is a good idea. Capt Mike __________________ Capt Mike Starrett light tackle guide Potomac River http://www.indianheadcharters.com

07-03-12, 12:59 PM	#4
lilmule BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Buchanan,Tn Posts: 2,685	Basically baystar to 60mph,seastar thereafter,cost for seastar is more about 900 but can be had at times for less,installation is the harder part one often has to cut a hole for the wheel pump.That small no feedback steering would do nicely for about 400. Few years ago their cost was well over 1000 they have come down,one went for 699 the other day on ebay and was a seastar. I almost bought a 201 pro the other day he had hydraulic steering and was taking it off replacing with standard all because new he gave 1300 for it used now worth 300-400 same as a new standard setup when buying it all,cost him a sale. On a small rig like that almost overkill,the normal teleflex nofeedback steering wont be hard to install or operate.

07-03-12, 01:12 PM	#5
bassboogieman BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Parkesburg, Pa. Posts: 3,762	I have to agree with lilmule, the benifit vs expense (on your boat), not to mention installation & modifications to accept the hydraulic pump, is a bit much. A no-feedback cable steering would be a simple upgrade with no mods to fit a pump. But it's your boat and your money, spend it as you like. If you're set on hydraulic then Baystar would be the way to go.

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