Hydraulic steering retrofit advice

[scoutabout]

Anyone done one of these retrofits? My former SeaRay IO's power steering has spoiled me and much as I just love the Scout, the stiff, jittery manual steering is the rig's worst feature.

Searches here seem to turn up just Baystar units. Is this the unit to go with? Any other experience, advice or words of wisdom would be appreciated.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Hydraulic steering retrofit advice

I'm interested on feedback about this topic too.Thinking about adding it to my Johnson 175

 

[studlymandingo]

Once you go hydraulic, you won't go back!!!

Once you go hydraulic, you won't go back!!!

I cannot say enough about what hydraulic steering has done for my boat. I recently installed hydraulic steering on my center console with a 150HP outboard. I went from muscling the steering constantly; to thoroughly enjoying the dynamics of riding the water. You can let go of the wheel at any speed and there is no change in course, there is little difference at any speed in steering resistance. Now I can feel how the boat is riding the water and it's a lot more fun to "surf" waves; it's much safer in big water too, I'm not fighting the motor when I'm trimmed in for bow down wave plowing.

Here's the link: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=194142

What is the HP of your motor scout?

Gary, I think you would probably be best served using the SeaStar instead of the BayStar.

Either case, check eBay for a good deal on a system. I saved more than 75% that way. I had the hoses made locally at Goodyear; much cheaper than the Teleflex hoses and rated at a higher psi.

In case you didn't pick up on it...I highly recommend installing hydraulic steering!!!!​

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Hydraulic steering retrofit advice

Thanks! That's great info and I look forward to checking out that thread. My engine is a Yamaha 90 hp 4 stroke weighing just shy of 400 lbs wet. I'm told that model actually puts out 100 horses if it makes a difference one way or another.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Hydraulic steering retrofit advice

Thanks for the tip Studley! May be one of my next upgrades...
Depends on what Ebay gets me for the other boat....

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Hydraulic steering retrofit advice

Depends on what Ebay gets me for the other boat....

Looks to me like you are gonna do just fine in that department!​

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Hydraulic steering retrofit advice

Read your other thread, studly -- sounds like a real improvement.

A couple of questions:

1. Is the helm unit a universal bolt in replacement for the manual one? That is, are the holes generally the same size. I can always cut bigger, but it's hard to make one smaller...

2. Same question for the splined shafts. Are they all usually a universal size so you can keep your wheel?

3. What kind of clearance do you need behind the console? Can you put a good bend in these hoses (as long as they don't kink) or are you limited to pretty much the radius of what the manual cable can do?

4. What kind of hassle is it filling the system and purging the air?

5. I'm not sure of the set up at the motor end. Does the hydraulic cylinder fit through the tilt tube and do you need to take the engine off the boat to install? If you could post a pic that would be great.

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Hydraulic steering retrofit advice

The helm pump I installed required a slightly larger hole. My reciprocating saw made quick work of the new hole.

The shaft on the present steering should not be splined, it should be a 3/4" tapered shaft with a woodruf key; if this is the case, then your existing wheel will work on the new helm pump.

The hoses allow for a closer tolerance than the cable steering; within reason. Don't kink them and you'll have no problems.

The filling and purging took about 20 minutes total, not a big deal at all.

Yes, it fits through the tube; no you don't have to remove the motor. It is really an easy installation. Running the hoses below deck is the most difficult procedure of the install.​