Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Hydraulic steering upgrade
Posted by Craig on 06/02/07 - 10:56 AM
#1
Im looking to upgrade my outrage 20 with a hydraulic steering system as every year we fight with bound up cables. Any information like how the systems work or installation procedures would help, thanks.
Edited by Mike on 06/05/07 - 7:57 PM
Posted by Doug V on 06/02/07 - 6:54 PM
#3
The Seastar system on my Outrage 22 works great. It is the original system. I replaced the cylinder seals and the helm seal (easy projects, once the research is done) and the system works like new.
I would not having anything but hydraulic steering now.
Doug
Posted by Craig on 06/04/07 - 6:53 AM
#4
Guys, this information is very helpful to me in helping undestand the hydrolic steering system, speciffically the seastar system by teleflex. The website has everything one would need to know including local retailers. How does the seastar teleflex system rate compared to others on the market as I see some variation in price with other brands? IS this a top quality product, mid range or low? Just trying to make an educated purchase. Thanks again for all the info!
Posted by Doug V on 06/04/07 - 5:01 PM
#6
The steering system on my boat is over 18 years old, and except for a couple of minor seal replacements, works as good as one could ask. I think that should say something about the quality of the system.
Doug
Posted by glen e on 06/04/07 - 6:09 PM
#7
seastar is the defacto standard of the industry - are there better? maybe... but seastar works fine..and when you travel and need help, it's likely the local dealer you find will stock seastar parts......
Posted by Craig on 06/11/07 - 6:10 AM
#8
I have installed the seastar hydraulic steering and it seems to be a good system except for one major problem. When I turn the wheel all the way to the right, hydraulic cylinder to the left it chatters at the helm as it travels the last 3 inches. Other than that it works flawlessly. I contacted seastar directly and they indicated it was a rare occurrence on some setups that chatter occurs. They are sending me some type of part to install inline but did not provide many details over the phone. I hope it corrects the issue. Has anyone had similar issues with this steering system? Anyone experienced with hydraulics that can provide an explanation as to why this may happen.
Posted by Joe Kriz on 06/11/07 - 10:19 AM
#9
Craig,
It sounds like air in the lines or low on fluid to me. Mine did this for awhile until all the air got out of the lines.
If I remember correctly, the pump should be FULL when the engine is centered if you have the centered cylinder as opposed to the side mount.
Posted by Craig on 06/11/07 - 10:45 AM
#10
We purged the system several times. The technician on the phone said go behind the boat and push the motor, the hydraulic cylinder should not move more than 1/8 inch, if it does than you have air. Mine hardly moves at all. Fluid level seems OK. Im going to wait and see what I get in the mail from the company and I will keep this forum updated for anyone else who may encounter this problem.