Ideas on Installing Baystar Hydraulic Steering

[daniel123]

I am considering replacing my stock steering on my '99 200 Osprey/115 Johnson with a BayStar hydraulic system. Nothing seems wrong with the cable system that's on the boat, but I figure if it's 15 years old it's going to fail sooner than later. Any thoughts on the decision or attempting the project as a DIY?

[Capt. Bob]

I wouldn't think you would have much difficulty in taking this on.
You'll love hydraulic.

Here's a little reading to get you started.

viewtopic.php?p=76584#p76584

Good luck.

[gman 82 aquasport]

You should not have any problems The Baystar system is really straight forward, not hard at all. Hoses are easy to run and hook up, biggest part to get done is bleeding the system, get 1 extra person whose job will be to turn the wheel and keep the helm full as you bleed the air out at the motor ram..I think we did mine in about 1 hour after everything was hooked up..It's been on the boat for a little over 2 years now and no problems Makes driving the boat a one finger job. Would recommend color tape on the ends of one of the hoses to keep the port/starboard hoses in the right position.

[daniel123]

Thanks for the feedback. So I will notice a significant ease-of-steering difference? I was wondering if it was worth replacing a functioning system, but if it's a big improvement, I want to do it. Is it tricky pulling the old cable out? That extended treatise on the cable-pulling subject posted previously, involving a tree limb and a come-along, while extremely informative, had me wondering...

[seabob4]

Dan, the key to getting the cable out is how "straight" it runs out of the rigging port and into the tilt tube.  Your 200, should be no problem, I installed a Baystar on Cakes' 175 2 weeks ago, I got the cable out (with a little coercion!) of the tilt tube without having to yank the motor.  

You'll need the bezel kit for the helm, as the Baystar helm does not cover all the mounting holes from the helm bracket on the NFB/Safe-T install...

[gman 82 aquasport]

Seabobs right on the bezel kit,
I didn't need one as I was redoing the console and filled the old hole and made a new one I also had no trouble getting the old steering cable out, but not all can say that, lube it up good, pb blaster works well to work it's way in to loosen things up.

[daniel123]

OK, thanks for the input. Does Baystar offer the bezel kit or do I need to get it elsewhere?

Dan

[seabob4]

OK, thanks for the input. Does Baystar offer the bezel kit or do I need to get it elsewhere?

Dan

This is what you want Dan, Teleflex P/N HA5418.  Obviously, you can get them at Worst if they have them in stock...http://www.westmarine.com/hydraulic-ste ... it--464552

[daniel123]

Thanks, Bob. I'm checking with SeaStar to see if they offer it too; otherwise I'll order it from WM.

Dan

[SaltH2OHokie]

Where are you located Daniel?

[TheKid]

A tip for bleeding hydraulics.....

Buy 25' of 1/4" clear tubing.

After putting box end of wrench on nipple, install tubing and run other end up to helm.

Start pouring in fluid and turning wheel. When about half way full cut hole in bottom of bottle and insert other end of tube.

Resume bleeding until no bubbles.

Repeat on other side.

This will reduce the amount of fluid you need to bleed it out. Simple and easily done with one person....although two is better.

[Capt. Bob]

Where are you located Daniel?

IIRC, Ohio

[daniel123]

Sorry about being AWOL site-wise for a few days. I'm in Columbus, Ohio, with Urban.

That sounds like a great tip about the system filling/bleeding,and I'll use it.

In addition to installing the Baystar system on the '99 200 Osprey, I also intend to:

-Replace the undercarriage (springs, hubs, etc.) on the aluminum Continental Trailer. I know it should be a tandem but it's what I have for now and I got the parts at cost.  

-Replace the rubrail insert (I have the white insert from TACO in hand now, but may trade it for black to match the following:

-Replace the old turquoise Asport logo/Sailfish I removed from the sides of the boat with an original Aquasport logo set I got from Marine Liquidators that is raised letters of black with silver trim. I've learned from my graphics/sign-making buddy that the type face is "Eurostyle Extended" and now I'm looking into having my hull numbers made in that type face to match.  Thoughts on the black (matches new Asport logo) vs white (looks 'clean' but may mar more easily?) are appreciated!

-Have a local Amish tarp-maker make me a dodger (Sunbrella?) for the bow so I can overnight aboard -- and maybe join a CAS boat-camping weekend sometime.

Any feedback on any of the above projects is greatly appreciated.

Dan

[gman 82 aquasport]

Good tip on the long hose from bleeded back to the helm, will make that easier
A thought on your commenton using the same style letters for your ID #, don't know about your state, but in North Carolina your required to use 3" block letters in a contrasting color to where it's located....Lets just say I learned that after the CG stopped me in the waterway outside of Southport,NC the first year we were using ours, got the warning ticket..Hopefully your state will be different...might ber worth a check

[daniel123]

Good point, Gman. Ohio does stipulate block lettering but I think the font I'm considering (Microgramma) is close enough to block to pass scrutiny. But just to be safe, I may run it by the authorities...