Hydraulic Steering ??

[joeyd50]

How do I know if I have hydraulic steering on my boat? I have a 1986 Skeeter Starefire 175, it had a 200HP on before I got it and I put a 85HP on it I have 2 steering cables, Is hydraulic like power steering on a car, is there a power steering pump? The steering on my boat is real stiff, but I haven't had it in the water yet and will it be easier in the water?
Thanks
Joe

 

[gcboat]

Re: Hydraulic Steering ??

If you don't have a hydraulic ram on the front of your engine then more than likely you don't have assisted steering. Take a look through here and see if anything looks familiar: http://www.teleflexmarine.com/steering-us/

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Hydraulic Steering ??

How do I know if I have hydraulic steering on my boat? I have 2 steering cables, Is hydraulic like power steering on a car, is there a power steering pump? The steering on my boat is real stiff, but I haven't had it in the water yet and will it be easier in the water?
Thanks
Joe

If you have cables, you do not have hydraulic steering.

Hydraulic steering is not like power steering on a car; the pump is called the helm pump, it is operated by turning the wheel. Hydraulic steering is much smoother and easier than cable steering, but unless it is hooked up to a power steering pump (usually on an inboard large vessel) the pump action comes from the helm.

If the steering on the boat is stiff and it is not in the water, then it will be MUCH stiffer when you are in the water and have the motor pushing against you. The motor should move freely when it is on the trailer. Sounds like you have something in the cable or steering system binding; you need to fix this or you could be in some trouble when on the water.

I just recently added hydraulic steering to my boat, what a huge difference; if you have the ability to make the upgrade, I highly recommend it!

 

[BoatAddiction]

Re: Hydraulic Steering ??

I just recently added hydraulic steering to my boat, what a huge difference; if you have the ability to make the upgrade, I highly recommend it!

I concur. Though I have power steering on my current I/O boat, I had hydraulic on a 19 ft outboard SeaPro that I used to own. I think it was the Bay Star system, if I remember correctly. Whatever it was called, it was the best thing since grits. There was no feedback (in other words, the prop rotation does not pull you to the side) and you could turn the helm with your little finger...at any speed. You'll know if you have hydraulic if you see the ram (see: http://www.foreandaftmarine.com/1-BAYSTAR.htm for pictures).

The worst steering I ever had was on my former 1976 Trojan 36 ft Tri-Cabin with twin helms. That old yacht had a mechanical (not cable) system of chains, cogs, and shafts. The system itself probably weighed every bit of 300 lbs and it felt like you were lifting all 300 lbs of it when you turned the wheel!