Hydraulic steering conversion--Skeeter

[DKennimer]

Hello all,

I have a 1988 Skeeter 18.5 ft boat and it is extremely hard to steer. I was wanting your take on the Hydraulic steering systems and is it fairly easy to install? I am pretty mechanically inclined, but this is my first boat and I have never done this before. What brands are recommended? Any tips???

Thanks for any input!!!

 

[Damien.]

Re: Hydraulic steering conversion--Skeeter

Hi There,

First of all, what make and model is your engine ?

Secondly, its not to difficult, most power steering systems are quite simple to install. I would recommend Baystar personally, I have fitted plenty of there kits with positive results.

D.

EDIT:

A standard kit would look like the one below;

 

[mikeroche]

Re: Hydraulic steering conversion--Skeeter

i put that baystar on my 17 ft cc LOVED IT the best thing i did on this boat

 

[DKennimer]

Re: Hydraulic steering conversion--Skeeter

It is a 1981 Evinrude 150.

 

[DKennimer]

Re: Hydraulic steering conversion--Skeeter

Hi There,

First of all, what make and model is your engine ?

Secondly, its not to difficult, most power steering systems are quite simple to install. I would recommend Baystar personally, I have fitted plenty of there kits with positive results.

D.

EDIT:

A standard kit would look like the one below;

Thanks Damien!

Is the baystar a pretty good unit or should I go with the Seastar for mine? Thanks again!

 

[Damien.]

Re: Hydraulic steering conversion--Skeeter

Go for the BayStar kit, you wont be disappointed.

Have a read of this page;

http://ww2.seastarsteering.com/BAYSTAR/baystar.htm

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Hydraulic steering conversion--Skeeter

OR you could look into why yours is hard to steer.... a 150 should not take alot of effort to steer.... My bet is that a new steering cable would fix you upo for ALOT less money.... just a thought

 

[DKennimer]

Re: Hydraulic steering conversion--Skeeter

I thought about the cable, but have heard that they are pretty hard to install... I have never changed one before, and have heard alot of good things about the hydraulic systems.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Hydraulic steering conversion--Skeeter

cable change should be much easier than converting.... after all once you remove it putting the new one back is a snap

 

[Damien.]

Re: Hydraulic steering conversion--Skeeter

Personally I would still take the plunge and go for a hydraulic conversion.

The benefits are endless and its a worth while investment.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Hydraulic steering conversion--Skeeter

yeah don't get me wrong.... I'm definately bagging on the hyd system.... I have a hynautic system with dual stations on the carver and I have had LOTS of cable systems.... honestly they both work about the same if well maintained..... My thought here tho is that this hydraulic conversion is going too cost more than the engine on this boat and while it will be smoother than his current setup a new cable would also likely be a night and day difference

neither of these systems is going to be power steering.... you can get electric power hydraulic but it is mega pricey...... fact is that simply being hydraulic does not automatically make it better..... It still depends on your personal preferences

$500 -$700 is a bunch of money to put into a 27 year old bass boat when you can make it work very well for $100

If you really want to spend the money for the benefits of the hyd system I say go for it BUT if your motivation is that you think it will be easier you are way off.....

 

[DKennimer]

Re: Hydraulic steering conversion--Skeeter

I like where you're going with this Kevin. How do I measure for the correct cable length? Should I pull the old one(s) off first? Like I said, I have never done this, but feel confident doing it with some help/tips.

Thanks again everyone, I love this site!

 

[DKennimer]

Re: Hydraulic steering conversion--Skeeter

Ok, I think I have a dual cable rotary system?? With the price at $450 for the new kit, would it be best to just replace with another rotary or go to hydraulic? Please see pics to confirm that this is what I have.

Thanks!!!

 

[DKennimer]

Re: Hydraulic steering conversion--Skeeter

Just got done installing the hydraulic system (baystar) The price difference was $50.00 more than the new rotary system. I have to say the hardest part was pulling the old cables out because of the zip ties that are on the starboard side and they are next to impossible to get to, to cut them. After fighting this for a while, I was able to get them through...Whew (what an ***** whipping). Anyway, I am glad it is over with and I am ready to test her out! For my application on my skeeter, I needed to use a dremel tool to grind down the foam on my dash before mounting to the helm, without it I don't think I could have done it... Seems like a smooth system, but the 4.5 turns from lock to lock seems like alot...