Steering

[striper 17]

I have a 17ft 170 striper and I need to replace the steering box and cable. Are there any brands to look for or stay away from? Im looking at the NFB models at west marine. Thank for your ideas.

[compcrasher86]

Teleflex is one of the most renowned steering and cable companies. I highly reccomend them

[RickK]

Look for a used hydraulic system.  Steering with one finger is the only way to go and you won't regret it.  I have hydraulic on both of my Aquasports.

[Capt. Bob]

Look for a used hydraulic system.  Steering with one finger is the only way to go and you won't regret it.  I have hydraulic on both of my Aquasports.

I'll second that emotion

[compcrasher86]

true, I was just offering the cheap way out cause thats how I am. Honestly though, dont you think hydraulics is a little bit overkill for a 170?

[RickK]

true, I was just offering the cheap way out cause thats how I am. Honestly though, dont you think hydraulics is a little bit overkill for a 170?

Ever tried it?  I've turned a cable steering wheel on this 170 for 17 years and then went to hydraulic and whoa - ain't going back....period.

[compcrasher86]

true, I was just offering the cheap way out cause thats how I am. Honestly though, dont you think hydraulics is a little bit overkill for a 170?

Ever tried it?  I've turned a cable steering wheel on this 170 for 17 years and then went to hydraulic and whoa - ain't going back....period.

Nope, i've only worked with cable steering. Guess you guys got me there.

I dont know, I would love to have hydraulic steering myself, just to see what I'm missing out on but you know the old saying, dont fix what aint broke. New from iboats.com, a cable steering system costs less than $200 whereas Hydraulic systems are a minimum of $600. So where can you find these things used because in my oppinion putting in a little more arm muscle is worth saving yourself $400+

[Marcq]

I have a cable steering on my boat and I like it, of course I have 16" arms, I guess it helps   but was wondering about hydraulic, can you let go the steering while underway without the boat veering left and right ?

Marc..

[striper 17]

Thanks for all the ideas. I think for money reasons I will stick with a cable sterring, which is not to bad when its all youve ever had.

[RickK]

... but was wondering about hydraulic, can you let go the steering while underway without the boat veering left and right ?
Marc..

Yup.  You can let go and go down into the galley and make a sandwich, get a beer, take a nap, WAIT.... that's what they said NOT to do    

[compcrasher86]

true, that is the only advantage I can see being worth $600. someone shold invent a wheel lock for cable steering for the rest of us to hold the wheel in one position when underway.

My cable steering is so fluid I can steer my boat by pushing on either side of the engine while I am at the transom. Obviously that means I need a steady grip on the wheel at all times though. Its a sacrifice I'll have to make

[seabob4]

Striper 17,
Don't know if your still in the market, but I can get you a 4.2 NFB helm and 16' Teleflex cable for $150 shipped.  If you want to go the Hydraulic route, a Baystar kit minus the oil for $485 shipped.  Let me know.

[DOCREED]

Look for a used hydraulic system.  Steering with one finger is the only way to go and you won't regret it.  I have hydraulic on both of my Aquasports.

more expensive, but worth it.

[ANTIBLING]

I have a cable steering system, cable and helm, from my 17 striper. PM me if intersted in it, ill sell it to you super cheap.