Funky steering last weekend on my 225

[Capt. Bob]

 That includes the filler hose and fitting too.  They were extra when I bought mine.

<!-- m -->http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... sNum=10472<!-- m -->

I don't think that a hose comes with the fluid. I still have mine from my original purchase in 1996.

When I bought fluid from West last month, that price was for the fluid only. The narration in the add might lead one to think it does but the filler hose (which IMHO) is needed to perform the job correctly was not included. I not sure that West even carries it. <!-- s:scratch: --><!-- s:scratch: -->  Even more important is the SeaStar document on how to do it the right way, not the shade tree way, has been posted on the forum not that long ago. Required reading for Captains running hydraulic steering.

http://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=9053.0
Second post down.

The most important bit of info in that document resides in the lower right hand corner of the cover page.
Remember, this is only about your boat's steering system. Don't let it cloud your judgment over say, what type of cooler you should carry on your boat. <!-- s:wink: --><!-- s:wink: -->

[John Jones]

I don't think that a hose comes with the fluid. I still have mine from my original purchase in 1996.

TELEFLEX
SeaStar Filler Kit

Kit means it come with the hose and I would hold them to it.

[Capt. Bob]

I don't think that a hose comes with the fluid. I still have mine from my original purchase in 1996.

TELEFLEX
SeaStar Filler Kit

Kit means it come with the hose and I would hold them to it.

In theory that's correct but in reality I'm not so sure. Kinda funky that you can buy a quart of fluid and a filler hose for a couple of bucks less than a quart of fluid itself,   therefore....

After contacting WM and questioning "the deal", the filler kit for $17(+) does in fact include the filler hose and the necessary attachments (I stand corrected) but unfortunately doesn't include any juice. You can however also purchase fluid in quart bottles ($19+) to then use it with the "kit". The pics and wording in the ad are fuzzy at best to my way of thinking but not so much to be deceiving. It appears they have a photo of the fluid but not of the hose so they used the same pic for both. :o

[Glock Diver]

I picked up a quart of Seastar at BassPro (actually, had to go to the Tracker Boats counter, since they don't stock it on the floor).  Paid about $19.50 after my wife's discount.  Regular price was $22.55 per quart, and it didn't come with any filling kit.
  Thought I'd use a small funnel or siphon to add some fluid, unless anyone's got a better idea.  Maybe a turkey baster?

[Skoot]

You could get a large plastic syringe for really cheap.  Any CVS or walgreens has them.  You can even get a plastic/rubber needle if needed, or rig your own.  Or your turkey baster might do the trick.

[John Jones]

I had an old Coleman gas stove funnel I used.  It has a tiny nozzle.  I would think anything like a funnel or turkey baster would work.  The only time I have seen a real need for the adapter kit is when you are bleeding the system.  If you don't keep the reservoir full you can re-introduce air into the system.   If you turn the wheel with the filler plug out you will squirt fluid about 8 feet in the air.  Been there, done that.

[Glock Diver]

I had an old Coleman gas stove funnel I used.  It has a tiny nozzle.  I would think anything like a funnel or turkey baster would work.  The only time I have seen a real need for the adapter kit is when you are bleeding the system.  If you don't keep the reservoir full you can re-introduce air into the system.   If you turn the wheel with the filler plug out you will squirt fluid about 8 feet in the air.  Been there, done that.

Thanks for that advice.  I ended up getting a FREE small plastic syringe at my pharmacy, which worked awesome.  Topped it off this afternoon, and the steering already feels much more responsive.  I'll test it out later (hopefully tomorrow) if I get time to venture out.   8)