Steering, push pull or Hydro?

[earringboy]

I have a 18ft aluminum Sylvan 1979, Merc 115hp 1986 and now have Teleflex 3 turns standard roatary type steering. It has slop, I can move the motor 1/4 inch or so before the steering wheel moves. Can that be tightened up in any way or is everything just worn out? I was thinking of replacing with a NFB version of the rotary or going to a Baystar Hydraulic set up. I assume the hydro is also no feed back and would have a much longer life than a cable type. What do you all think, pros and cons for each, aside from the fact that the baystar is way more money.

 

[alwims]

Re: Steering, push pull or Hydro?

I just finished, a few days ago, installing the Baystar system. I'm retired so I get to fish every day if I want to. I am so happy with my new steering, it will be the first upgrade on every boat i own from now on.

 

[earringboy]

Re: Steering, push pull or Hydro?

alwims, what size motor do you have? The Baystar is no feed back right?

 

[alwims]

Re: Steering, push pull or Hydro?

alwims, what size motor do you have? The Baystar is no feed back right?

Correct, no feedback. I'm running an '85 Merc 150hp XR2.

 

[earringboy]

Re: Steering, push pull or Hydro?

Nice motor! How much effort to turn when running wide open?

 

[alwims]

Re: Steering, push pull or Hydro?

None. It turns just like my GMC Envoy that I pull it with. If you ever go Hydro you won't go back. It's a little expensive and you really have to make sure you've got all the air out of the system, but it's well worth the cost and trouble. Someone recommended I take mine to a shop and have them power bleed the system, but my fishing budy and I did it ourselves manually and it works perfect.

 

[alwims]

Re: Steering, push pull or Hydro?

I bought mine for $453, but this is the cheapest I can find now, $499 from West Marine; http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...toreNum=10106&subdeptNum=10469&classNum=10472

 

[earringboy]

Re: Steering, push pull or Hydro?

I think you are right, West Marine did have the best price, plus they run 10% off alot. I think I will be doing that as soon as I can.