Is Hydraulic Steering tough to install for a DIY'er?

[jimc_LA]

Hey everyone, I'm new to this forum. Found iBoats while doing some troubleshooting on my merc outboard and it seems that there's quite a bit of knowledge and experience here.

I've been contemplating changing the steering type on by 21' bay boat from manual anti-feedback type to hydraulic. It was a $1k upgrade when I purchased the boat new and I didn't think I needed it. After several years of use, I now wish I had it.

I've seen the kits on various websites and I was wondering if someone who had experience doing this could let me know how difficult this is? I am fairly mechanical & have plenty of tools. The thing that worries me the most is the fact that I have a "capped" hull, so I can't easily get to everything. Also, will the current steering wheel work with a hydraulic setup?

Thanks for the input. I really enjoy browsing these posts.

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Is Hydraulic Steering tough to install for a DIY'er?

My hull is not one that comes apart readily either. I installed a SeaStar steering system in my center console and it was not really a problem.

As I removed the steering cable, I taped the hoses to the cable and used it to fish the lines through; it is easier to have someone feed the hose as you pull the cable, careful not to snag the hoses. The cylinder at the motor mounts easily as does the helm pump. Filling and purging the system is fairly straightforward.

The system is a major improvement over cable steering; I honestly can say it has been far and away the best upgrade I have done to the boat.

Check this post: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?p=1312866#post1312866​

 

[jimc_LA]

Re: Is Hydraulic Steering tough to install for a DIY'er?

Studlymandingo, Thanks for the great info. After running yesterday mornming in a 2-3' chop, having to trim way down, it was really tough having to fight the torque. I've got a V6 200 EFI, turning one direction's not so bad, but you've really got to show her who's boss on the rebound. I've got the same single cable Teleflex that you had.

I'm, really getting the itch now, especially after reading the post you linked me to. I do have a couple of questions, if you'd care to answeer them.

Is your system considered to be the "power steering" version or just the basic hdraulic setup? Is there any powering involved (electrical)? I was thinking to do just like you mentioned and tape or zip-tie the hoses to the Teleflex cable ad pull them through at the same time (just gotta make sure that they don't come loose). Does the cylinder at the engine end mount to the transom? Finally, were you able to re-use your original wheel? From what I can see from the photos on the Teleflex website, it seems there is a device that replaces the original steering mount through the console.

Really appreciate your input here. Now I've got the itch bad. Gonna have to do something soon.

Thanks.

Jim C.

 

[studlymandingo]

You won't regret the upgrade!!!

You won't regret the upgrade!!!

My unit is not power assist; it is a hydraulic pump at the helm that is operated by turning the wheel (yes I used my original wheel). Even with no power-assist, it is amazingly easy to turn, there is no more fighting with the wheel in rough seas!​

The outboard cylinder does not mount to the transom; it mounts to the outboard bracket where the cable tube goes through. The cable comes out of the tube, and a steel rod replaces it that attaches to the cylinder; the cylinder shaft then bolts to the yoke. It is very simple to install.​