Hydraulic Steering for Sterndrive

[MrJimmyjam]

I am restoring a 1973 Glastron V-184. Original volvo-penta 270 outdrive, upgraded engine to a 275 hp Volvo penta 570.

I'm struggling with too much prop-torque-steer. Difficult to hold the wheel and can be dangerous if you lose grip at WOT. I want to add a hydraulic steering system with no feedback.

- RPM:speed ratio is right where I want it - WOT is 47mph @ 4300-4400 rpm
- Propco prop, Short Hub, VR221SP* ( 14 x 21 | AL | LL | RH ) - EXCELLENT prop btw
- I have adjusted the tab on the cavitation plate but it's not enough.
- original rack steering is in great shape - tight, smooth, just a lot of torque to keep it straight.

Anyone ever try to do this?

Other ideas?

thanks!!! - Jim

 

[MrJimmyjam]

ok, so for those of you out there that read this in the future, I found two systems, one made by SeaStar, the other by Hydrive. I'll report back once I decide which path to take.

 

[alldodge]

I would suggest seastar

 

[1960 Starflite]

I am restoring a 1973 Glastron V-184. Original volvo-penta 270 outdrive, upgraded engine to a 275 hp Volvo penta 570.

I'm struggling with too much prop-torque-steer. Difficult to hold the wheel and can be dangerous if you lose grip at WOT. I want to add a hydraulic steering system with no feedback.

- RPM:speed ratio is right where I want it - WOT is 47mph @ 4300-4400 rpm
- Propco prop, Short Hub, VR221SP* ( 14 x 21 | AL | LL | RH ) - EXCELLENT prop btw
- I have adjusted the tab on the cavitation plate but it's not enough.
- original rack steering is in great shape - tight, smooth, just a lot of torque to keep it straight.

Anyone ever try to do this?

Other ideas?

thanks!!! - Jim

I too have that problem and with 1/2 the HP. 1979 Century 190 with 140hp four banger. Trimming up helps but then lose prop grip.

 

[MrJimmyjam]

Thank you for the feedback @alldodge ! @1960 Starflite , I'll keep you posted on the project.

 

[Scott Danforth]

something is not right. I have 450hp going to my mid 80's drive and steering without issue. However I have the power steering actuator

I would just get the power steering version of the drive actuator for the 270, 275, 280, 280 drives . only the small 4-cylinders should have gotten manual steering.

 

[MrJimmyjam]

something is not right. I have 450hp going to my mid 80's drive and steering without issue. However I have the power steering actuator

I would just get the power steering version of the drive actuator for the 270, 275, 280, 280 drives . only the small 4-cylinders should have gotten manual steering.

so you have a mechanical cable steering with power assist? also, single drive, right? thanks!

 

[Scott Danforth]

yes, that is how most of the power steering I/O boats are done

 

[MrJimmyjam]

The VP 570 (5.7 chevy), with 275 hp originally came with power assist in the 34' cruiser it was first installed in. Unfortunately, all of that original equipment was not kept with the engine when I purchased it. I did get the pump, but nothing else. Parts are difficult to source, and from the short list I started to accumulate, would have been a similar price to the hydraulic steering.

I decided to go with hydraulic steering, for a couple reasons, mainly, for the simplicity to install - not having to attach anything to the engine which is already fairly cramped back there!, availability of parts (my engine is older, and power assist parts are either very expensive or also old, and if this hydraulic system works, it's new from helm to drive).

I'll post more details as I complete the installation, as this seems to be not a highly documented topic that I can see on the forum.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Scott Danforth]

Plenty of boat salvage yards where you could get the bits you need for dirt cheap.

let us know how it goes.