I have a 1997 Bayliner 2858 Cierra that I recently repowered with a 496 Mag HO. The boat has a Bravo III outdrive on it. Because I could not get the old-style power steering actuator to work, I am looking to switch over to a hydraulic system. The question is what displacement on the Helm pump should I be looking at for this boat/motor combination. I am looking at the Teleflex SeaStar Classic Tilt helms and they list 4 displacements - 1.4, 1.7, 2.0 and 2.4. In one of their brochures, they do not recommend the 2.4 unless you move up to a power assist. I understand that the higher the displacment, the quicker the response, but the more difficult to turn. The question is, what is difficult? Has anyone installed a hydraulic system on a large boat like this? Which system did you install and how is the steering. Easy/hard to turn? Quick enough turns for the vast majority of your needs? Any guidance would be appreciated.
