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Hey Users: Marc Adams here, I am the Technical Support Rep for Teleflex Marine Hydraulic Steering systems (includes BayStar, SeaStar, Hynautic and Capilano).

figured that I would jump in here.

I have seen a few Whalers with the BayStar / SeaStar installed, honestly have not seen a 15'. This doesn't mean that it will not work on board, I just have not seen it myself. We do offer an adapter kit for the helm that brings it closer into the dash, so, for those that feel maybe it protrudes too much, we can always bring it back in.

As per other users on this thread. They are correct in stating that the SeaStar hoses can be used with a BayStar system, this results in about a 20% decrease in steering effort when installed (that's quite a bit actually).

my personal opinion on the 15' is to go with the new Teleflex Extreme Cable Steering set up. This system has taken the technology of the extreme control cables and brought it into the steering world. Less friction on the cables, some enhancements to the helm and it feels really nice, some say better than BayStar for a cheaper cost. I do invite you to view it at your local dealer or online.

in regards to questions with cylinders/helms leaking. I hear these questions a lot (its my job speaking with customers like yourselves). What I have found over my years here is that maintenance (or lack there of) has played a big role in parts leaking. No one really thinks that anything needs to be done with the steering (cable or hydraulic), however as with any component on board a boat there are a few things that should be done on a yearly basis (more often if in salt or boat has heavy use). I will detail these below. They may not seem like they will change anything but trust me, we have done a lot of research into this and even made some clear maintenance procedures to try to assist. Before I get to the maintenance and such, i always ask that if you have a question or concern, either email me, or send me a PM, or, start a thread. One thing that I have always liked about working for Teleflex is the fact that they allow us techs to handle each and every inquiry the way that we would want it handled if we were on the other side of the question.

Maintenance: (should be done at least once a year, twice a year for salt water and heavy use boats)
* disconnect steering cylinder from engine
* clean engine steering tube fully
* grease the engine steering tube using a good quality marine grease
* re-install the steering cylinder, greasing all contact points (see your owner's manual for grease areas)

The more easy components are able to move during trim/tilt and steering, the longer the seals will last.

Also - I did see a question about changing fluid every few years. We actually do not recommend draining the fluid unless there is a known problem with the fluid condition (dirty, milky, contaminated)... The system is considered sealed, so, if the system is operating properly, the fluid is clean, then there really is no need to touch the fluid in the system.

thanks and hope that this helps

Marc