Hydraulic Steering is it really worth it?

[y2jericho]

I am about to put my steering system into my boat. I have a cable driven steering system with 2 wheels up front and 4 at the back 2 connected to springs.<br /><br />Should i stick with the original or is hydraulic really worth it. I don't relaly have $1000 to spend so is it really worth it? I don't mind having to put a little more muscle in<br /><br />The boat is a 70 De Havilland and its very light and has a 650cc 65hp Merc TB on it. <br /><br />Thanks

 

[Solittle]

Re: Hydraulic Steering is it really worth it?

I'll let others respond to your question as I can't speak to the 70. Cable steering work just fine on small boats with moderate hp motors. You could help by telling us a bit more about your boat - how long? - how heavy?

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Hydraulic Steering is it really worth it?

y2jericho,<br />As I said in my other post, I had the 15' Wellcraft fiberglass boat with the '67 650 on it. It also had the Cable steering and it seemed very responsive with that sized Motor. I cannot see putting out the extra money for hydraulic steering on a boat that size, with a Motor that size. Maybe if you had 100 or better HP, then I would consider it.

 

[Mumblerone]

Re: Hydraulic Steering is it really worth it?

Hydraulic steering is great, period. I would however stay with what you have for a variety of reason. Not worth the extra expense, plus you lose the 'character' of the original. If you must change, consider Teleflex cable steering, single or dual cable. Less than hydraulic.

 

[Capt Ken]

Re: Hydraulic Steering is it really worth it?

Sounds like you have the cable and pully system still. I would at least change over to the more modern rotary or rack cable system. Those pully systems if not adjust correctly would allow the cable to jump the pully and jam the system.