Power steering

[Silver Eagle]

I have a 24 ft pontoon boat with a 90 hp mercury out board motor .Is there any way or setup to make the boat steer easier. Like power steering. My old 230 hp I/OMerc cruise had it and it was great. But the pontoon boat steers like a bull dozer.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Power steering

Most pontoon boats with your size motor go with the Baystar hydraulic steering system--if they're going to replace cable steering.

At 150 hp, they'll use a stronger version called SeaStar. When they get to 200+ horsepower, it'll be the SeaStar system with a $1,700 power steering booster. If you went to a Mercury Verado engine, they can be equipped with an internal power steering pump/booster.

It's the power steering equipped boats that really steer good. Unfortunately, they come at a $3,000 price tag--after labor.

If you're still running the cable type steering, make sure the grease fittings on the cable are lubricated. Or, get a bigger steering wheel.

 

[Philbosaurusrex]

Re: Power steering

Hydraulic steering kits work well up to 200 hp OB. They cost around $600-$700, and you can expect to spend $120 and up for a seal kit if it develops a leak in the next 5 years. I'd start by greasing all your cable fittings and checking to make sure there's no really tight bends in the cable system.


http://www.iboats.com/Teleflex-Baystar-Hydraulic-Steering-System-Package/dm/*******.870015697--**********.612407566--view_id.40316

 

[j_martin]

Re: Power steering

Actually, excess grease in the steering grease zerks are a primary cause of cable failure. Seems not right, but that's the way it is per Teleflex customer "service".

If you disconnect the link from the steering cable to the motor, the motor should flop freely. If it doesn't, there's an issue with the pivot pin. If it does, and the steering wheel is still stiff, there's an issue with the cable.

Either cable steering or hydraulic non power assist should steer on your setup with little effort. If it pulls hard one way, the trim tab is set wrong.

 

[brandon110]

Re: Power steering

If you have the newer verado based 90 hp motor a power steering kit can be set up on motor but for a 90 it is a bit over kill. Hydrolic steering would be the way to go. the teleflex bay star steering system is cheepest but you get what you pay for i am not a big fan. I install a steering system from Mercuy Marine that is a Uflex steering system with a mercury sticker on it. I use this system because if i ever need parts for it Mercury has a parts break down on there EPC so getting parts is easy. its also got some nice looking stainless chrome on the arm that adds for a nice finish.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Power steering

Hard steering can be the motor needs grease.
The cable is seizing.The trim fin needs to be adjusted.
I have hydrolic steering on my twin setup.The old steering broke 20mi out in the Atlantic.
Sea Star Hyd can be bought and installed easily.Then it's NO PROBLEM.
Mine had developed a leak after 20yr.I wrote a letter to the company and they sent me the seal I needed FREE!