Classic AquaSport

Aquasport Mechanicals - things that need a wrench, screwdriver or multimeter => Controls, Steering, and Trim Tabs => Topic started by: reeldrag on February 25, 2011, 03:50:17 PM

Title: Hydraulic Steering
Post by: reeldrag on February 25, 2011, 03:50:17 PM

Hello All,
I plan to convert from cable steering to hydraulic. From what I have found it is either Teleflex or Uflex. Price is about the same +/- $150. Which do you think is the better system?
Thanks,
Curt

Title: Re: Hydraulic Steering
Post by: Capt Matt on February 25, 2011, 06:39:23 PM

I've only ever used the Sea Star, don't know too much about the other
If you get the seastar don't get a tilt helm it gets loose and blows the seals
Capt Matt

Title: Re: Hydraulic Steering
Post by: akbridge on February 25, 2011, 07:53:46 PM

I have a Baystar system.  It has held up well.  It was easy to set up.  And it can be bought cheap on Ebay.  I would suggest it.  I have no idea about Uflex.  Good luck.

Title: Re: Hydraulic Steering
Post by: fitz73222 on February 26, 2011, 03:01:03 AM

Teleflex manufactures Seastar and Baystar systems. The Baystar is a lighter duty system for < 150HP. I have a Baystar system on my flats boat on a 60 Bigfoot Merc for 7 years and a Seastar on my 22-2 with twin 115 Mercs for 16 years and both have been extremely reliable. I just now had to replace the Seastar's first helm seal since new. The Uflex (I believe Ultraflex) I only had experiance with a standard mechanical helm and it was a POS had the steering cable break at only 4 years old; hence the Baystar install.

Title: Re: Hydraulic Steering
Post by: Mcdiver on February 26, 2011, 07:17:25 AM

From an install standpoint, the sea star was incredibly easy.  Has also been a pleasure on the water.  Would not own another boat without it.

Title: Re: Hydraulic Steering
Post by: reeldrag on March 01, 2011, 07:13:43 PM

Thanks for your imput guys, going with the teleflex.
Curt

Title: Re: Hydraulic Steering
Post by: Treefish on March 01, 2011, 09:14:40 PM

I recently put the Baystar system on my 19-6 that I've got a 150hp 1996 Johnson Ocean Runner on the back of.  So far so good. It took me about 3 hours from the time it arrived to the time it was all installed and purged.  That includes the time it took to unhook the old system and drill new holes for the helm. I've used the boat on 3 different occasions since installation and have no complaints.  
Only problem now is that I don't get the same forearm workout I used to with my mechanical steering.  

http://www.teleflexmarine.com/products/ ... 4-compact/ (http://www.teleflexmarine.com/products/steering/hydraulic-steering-systems/baystar-1-4-compact/)