Hyd. / man. steering

[phbksb]

I have a 18' SeaSprite bow rider with 90 hp merc. Bought new in 1984. I have had to replace the steering cable twice because it freezes up with age. It is getting hard to turn again. A new cable installed is $400.00. I am debating installing Hyd. steering. $500 for light duty or $1,000 for heavy duty. That is just parts. What do you guys think? I love my boat and intend to keep it for many more years.

 

[j_martin]

Re: Hyd. / man. steering

I just found out (from Teleflex) that the early cable steering systems had a grease fitting on the rod tube. If it's overgreased (like any extra grease at all) the excess grease is forced into the cable, causing it to "hydraulic lock" and become dificult to steer.

As mine got stiffer, I greased it more, making it worse.

Their solution is replace the cable.

My solution is to rig up a reservoir made from a steering (tilt) tube, or even just a hose, to force penetrant through the now disconnected cable with compressed air, then follow it up with a light oil, or even just leave the wd40 in it.

Then remove the grease zerk and discard it, plug the hole, and maintain it as the cable instructions say, that is to pull the cable, clean and lightly grease the tube, and reinstall the cable.

hope it helps
John

 

[109jb]

Re: Hyd. / man. steering

If you are asking if people like hydraulic, I have a 16 foot Sea Ray Seville with a 115 Mariner and hydraulic steering. I love it. I have also had boats with cable steering and I definately prefer the hydraulic over the cable system.

 

[phbksb]

Re: Hyd. / man. steering

Yes, I am wondering if the extra cost is worth it for Hyd. The parts guy at BassPro said the Hyd. system rated for 150 hp. is no good and I should get the 300 hp. system. That's $1,000 bucks just for parts.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Hyd. / man. steering

Gee, if you are a bit handy, you can install a whole new R&P steering system for $150. Steering cables generally last 20 years or more, I am surprized you have had problems.

 

[mcdgary]

Re: Hyd. / man. steering

I just replaced a 12' EZY Stik II steering cable (these cables are similar to Teleflex cables), which is still good, with a 7' cable because I moved Helm about 5' aft. I reworked the old 12 footer for possible reuse (recycle for someone in need.) Cost of the new 7' was $149, which included shipping - they run about $120, shorter cables are usually more expensive due to lesser demand, I suppose. Please see my June 24 9:36 PM post on this same forum where I attempted to explain freezing up problems (which I found by the rework of the 12 footer) with these cables.

 

[phbksb]

Re: Hyd. / man. steering

To replace my cable. I have to unbolt the motor due to the small motor well. I would need to buy a cheery picker and I don't have room to store it. But I am beginning to think changing the cable every 7 or so years is maybe the best way to go.

 

[j_martin]

Re: Hyd. / man. steering

To replace my cable. I have to unbolt the motor due to the small motor well. I would need to buy a cheery picker and I don't have room to store it. But I am beginning to think changing the cable every 7 or so years is maybe the best way to go.

The engine isn't very heavy. Most tree branches will hold it fine. A rental engine cherry picker is like a Cadilac tool for this. Most cable steering setups require the engine to be lifted to service em. Else they would be pretty ugly.

If you have a grease setting, read my earlier post. Overgreasing is the problem, and with a little enginuity can be cleaned up and fixed. The high performance boat guys, who stake their life on their steering, sometimes use a homemade adapter to hold penetrant at the engine end of the cable and force it through with air pressure.

hope it helps
John