Hydraulic steering questions?

[jdupree]

I have faught my CCP long enough.  With the 200 Mercury on the stern, the boat is working me too hard.  I want to go with hydraulic.  Any advice on what to go with?  New or used units?  I have been looking around on e-bay and the individual parts are much cheper than the kits.

I consider myself and average mechanic.  Can I do this myself or does the motor have to come off?

I don't have any experience with hydraulic other that driving my father's boat years ago and remembering how easy it turned.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[RickK]

Hi John,
I bought my used Seastar for the 170 from the guy I bought the rebuilt engine from - and he installed it.  I realize it is WAY overkill on a 170 but even being used, I haven't had a bit of troubles with it in 3 years (can't believe it's been that long already ).  I'll never go back to a wired steering again.
It doesn't look like it was a big deal for them to mount the master in the console nor the slave at the motor.

[Capt. Bob]

Not a big deal John.
I mounted mine thirteen years ago and it's just starting to weep once and a while at the helm.
I have the Sea Star (if I remember correctly) and no the motor does not need removal.
Bleeding is the major job you want right and even that is pretty straight foward.
Once installed, oh baby! You'll wonder why you waited so long.

Tape the hydraulic lines to the old cable and pull them through (hopefully).

Good Luck

[jdupree]

Thanks Rick & Bob! Considering a have a 1981 hull I might try to find a used system like you did Rick.  Can't see spending that much considering the age of my CCP.  I guess finding a good used system might be the tough part Any suggestions?

[RickK]

Check around at places that buy old boats - salvage, etc.  If you can find a "Baystar" it'll do you just fine.  Hynautics (SP) is supposed to be good too.

[jdupree]

I have seen "baystar" on e-bay for several hundred dollars cheaper.  The only thing I saw was that it was rated for 150 HP.  Can I use that system on a 200 Mercury.  I don't know much about the baystar?

[DOCREED]

I'm replacing my helm pump.  I can sell my old one to you for short money.

[GoneFission]

SeaStar is the way to go.  They show up on eBay from time to time.  Also you can use a Yamaha version on your 200 Merc - just turn the mount upside down - it's the same part.  

You may want to buy the parts separately - often a LOT less expensive that buying an entire system - especially on eBay.  You need a helm pump, cylinder assembly, hoses, and a quart of oil.  You want SeaStar model HC5345 cylinder, and an HH5271, HH5741 (tilt), or HH6191 (sport tilt) helm.  Really, almost any SeaStar helm will work...  As luck would have it, the HC5345 and HH5271 are SeaStar's most popular models!  

Check it out:
http://motors.shop.ebay.com/eBay-Motors ... 282&_rdc=1

See ya on the water!

[jdupree]

Thanks as always GF