Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Converting to hydraulic steering, which brand ?

Posted by AlaskaBoat on 10/11/23 - 2:43 PM
#1

18' Outrage, Yamaha F115, I'm thinking of replacing my rotary steering with hydraulic.
The rotary was original 1985 and wore out.
What brand did you go with and do you like it?
Is this worth doing?
Should I consider rack&pinion instead ?
Thanks,
Bob

Posted by Phil T on 10/11/23 - 4:00 PM
#2

I have run cable steering on all my boats for over 20 years.

I like the simplicity, low cost and low maintenance.

A hydraulic system will run north of 1K versus $300 for a full helm and cable.

Posted by PhilD on 10/12/23 - 1:50 PM
#3

I concur with Phil (how can 2 Phils be wrong ????)

I think you'd be surprised how much better it will feel with a brand new manual/cable setup compared to the tired old one.

I have a hydraulic setup on my 200 but I wouldn't bother under 150.

Posted by Joe Kriz on 10/12/23 - 4:48 PM
#4

Back in those days most Outrage 18's used DUAL cable rotary steering for 150hp motors.
My 1985 Outrage 18' had the dual cable steering and I was the second owner and the original owner confirmed.

Not sure what you have now using the 115hp motor however, according to many articles you can use the single cable steering for the smaller motor.

Here is one example of the single Seastar Safety Quick Rotary Kit.
https://www.amazon.com/SeaStar-SS1371...&psc=1

Here is another option with the No-Feedback single cable rotary steering system.
Also shows that the Dual cable system is available if interested.
https://www.amazon.com/Seastar-SS1471...1&th=1

Posted by AlaskaBoat on 10/13/23 - 3:23 PM
#5

Thanks! I'm going to go with the SS147 NFB system. My old rotary system was just too trouble free too ignore, it just wore out. But it was reliable for many years.
I'm seeing too many posts on the internet about hydraulic steering with leaking cylinder or leaking helm or bleeding problems.

Posted by Joe Kriz on 10/13/23 - 5:56 PM
#6

Good choice.
What length are you going to buy?

Posted by AlaskaBoat on 10/13/23 - 6:25 PM
#7

18' , that's what I took out.

Posted by Joe Kriz on 10/14/23 - 2:45 PM
#8

Thanks for the verification.
I think you will like the No-Feedback (NFB) rotary system.
Keep us informed.