Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Baystar Hydraulic steering
Posted by auburnbuilder on 04/27/10 - 5:16 PM
#1
Is hydraulic steering worth it on a 17 montauk (1999)? Or is it just making something more complicated and possibly
more problematic than it needs to be?
Thanks for any input about this.
Posted by Joe Kriz on 04/27/10 - 5:28 PM
#2
It has a quite a few advantages.
If you happen to let go of the steering wheel, the wheel won't turn by itself.
Because of the above, when trailering your boat, the engine will stay in the position you left it.
Generally easier to steer than single cable steering.
No more grease in the tilt tube so the old cable won't bind up or make for stiff steering.
There might be more good reasons so maybe others will list there ideas here.
Posted by auburnbuilder on 04/27/10 - 5:43 PM
#3
Joe,
Do you know if it fits the 1999 Montauk well? (all original steering) Will I have to modify the console to accomadate
this steering system? (larger or smaller helm hole)
Thanks!
Posted by jhammer on 04/27/10 - 6:18 PM
#5
About a year ago i finished a major mod/renovation on my 85 17 Montauk and I put a Baystar Hydraulic system in. It works great and fits my boat perfectly. I do not know if it is necessary but it is very nice. I think it is especially helpful when I am going slow or idle speeds while i am sighting fish on the flats. You can take a look at my personal page and see some photos I think. It has been a great system perfect for the lighter motor.
Posted by JohnnyCW on 04/27/10 - 8:04 PM
#6
When I re-powered my 17' Outrage last summer, replacing the original cable steering was a priority. I installed a Baystar system and couldn't be happier. Just to be rid of all the slop of the cable steer made the Baystar investment worthwhile. The Baystar does take a bit more effort turning the wheel than I expected but its not difficult, just noticeable. Installation was a snap but if you do it yourself, you'll need a patient friend to help you bleed the system.
Also, the helm does extend out from the console several more inches. This made it a bit tight between the console and RPS when standing. I removed my RPS from the floor, flipped it around 180°, then removed and reinstalled the flip back facing the proper direction. Doing so gave me about an additional two inches between the console and RPS and so far no Whaler aficionados have noticed.
Posted by Guts on 04/27/10 - 8:36 PM
#7
Better with A auto pilot ! I highly recommend the Hydraulic Baystar System!...
Edited by Guts on 04/28/10 - 11:00 AM
Posted by bottomfish on 04/28/10 - 3:40 PM
#8
Listen to these guys. The Baystar is worth every penny. I haven't had a boat in about 15 years without hydraulic steering. It makes it easy for every member of the family to drive a boat. Plus you can leave the helm to tend to small items (while at slow spped of course) and she tracks strait ahead. You won't be dissapointed! My personal page shows the install. Very clean and neat out of the way.
Posted by Phil T on 04/28/10 - 4:28 PM
#9
I agree with these guys, if you do go to hydraulic the Baystar system is very good.
Personally, I like the simplicity of cable steering. Both my Montauk and Outrage have it. If you replace the port side nut with a steersman nut (has a grease fitting) and add grease 2x a year, it will give you great service.
A majority of problems reported are due to lack of greasing.
My biggest issue is the added complexity of hydraulic. One needs to ensure there is no air in the system and occasionally seals need replacement.
It is also an expensive upgrade.
Just something to think about.
Posted by JohnnyCW on 04/28/10 - 7:14 PM
#10
I purchased my Baystar system locally for less than $500.
I've owned a number of larger boats all with hydraulic steering. Other than checking the fluid level every season, they were all trouble and maintenance free.
I spent a fair number of dollars replacing all the components in my cable steering more than once trying to get the slop out of the system. Cable systems are adequate but sometimes I like better than just adequate. Like many Whalers, the cable had to make a lot of turns (five 90° turns) from the center console to the motor in my Outrage. Every turn adds an additional amount of slop. Installing the Baystar system in my Outrage made me realize how poor the cable system really was.
I don't know anyone that has ever regretted upgrading to hydraulic steering.
Posted by scottmcx on 06/02/10 - 3:47 PM
#11
I have an '89 17 Montauk with '90 130HP YammyHaw which I bought new. I have had to replace the Teleflex "no feed back" about 3 times. It strips out at the helm after a few years. Any suggestions as to how long the Baystar would last?
I had to rig it myself since the dealer didn't like the liability of 130HP. Thinking about a repower. Has anyone tried a 150HP 2 stroke Yammy one one?
130 pushes it 60MPH with 23" no exhaust "Chopper" prop
Edited by scottmcx on 09/10/10 - 7:29 PM
Posted by Guts on 06/02/10 - 3:56 PM
#12
I have had mine over ten years
Posted by JohnnyCW on 06/02/10 - 4:16 PM
#13
Although its not the Baystar system (Baystar is intended for 150hp and less I think), I got the larger HP rated Seastar hydraulic steering on my big cuddy cabin. Its nearly 15 years old and has never had an issue.
Posted by krafft on 06/02/10 - 10:35 PM
#14
Hello
We need the bigger one, Seastar.
This is quite expensive, here in Norway it costs around $1400.- for a kit. Was thinking of saving some buying in the US but were is the best place to buy this?
Thor
Posted by HarleyFXDL on 06/03/10 - 3:15 PM
#16
I just puchased the seastar for my Outrage and the baystar for my 13'. I just finished installing it on the 13' and have to admit it, it looks and feels great. Nice and clean, with no grease and steers smoothly. I got mine at West Marine for $452 out the door, money well spent!
Edited by HarleyFXDL on 06/03/10 - 3:16 PM
Posted by John Fyke on 06/03/10 - 3:56 PM
#17
I installed the Baystar in my Gradywhite. What a difference.
Posted by kamie on 06/03/10 - 6:19 PM
#18
Trick to installing the steering alone. Get a clean/new bucket and clear tubing. Put the tubing over the bleeder nozzles and into the clean bucket. Now put the bucket into the splashwell. now you can bleed the system, save they fluid and not make a huge mess.