Hydraulic or Cable Steering? (Brands to be discussed too)

[wessnapp]

I know this has been discussed here & there - but cant find one thread that focused on this.

Currently have a 150hp Johnson on an 200 Osprey.

Originally rigged with Cable Steering, but now have a jack plate.  Works fine right now, but with Bob about to re-wire everything, I am wondering if I should just do this at the same time......

Some say to always try to stick with the style the factory installed....other say to switch to hydraulic.

WHAT SAY YOU?  and if I were to go to Hydraulic ... BayStar, SeaStar, or UFlex?

[gran398]

Regardless of the brand...you will wonder why you didn't switch sooner. Night and day over what you have now

[dburr]

Infanitly postionable, any local hydraulics shop can make you hoses that are the length you want and most shops will cut the hoses you have if they are to long and put new ends on...   I worked at a shop that also had autopilots that worked with non power assist hydraulic steering. Although we never sold anything to anyone that did more than 15kts, that was 15 years ago and times have changed..

[seabob4]

Another vote for hydraulic.  With a 150, Seastar or Baystar, virtually no difference in feel or performance.  UFlex, there are a lot people switching over, mainly because of helm issues with the Teleflex helms.  If you do a search on THT, there is plenty of discussion in relation to Teleflex VS UFlex, the main problem with Teleflex is either the motor(s) "falling over" when tilted up, or a "clicking" noise eminating from the helm pump.  These are typically check valve or seal related.

One thing to keep in mind.  When Mercury was developing the Verado, it was to have a totally unique hydraulic system, completely unlike whatever was out there.  Teleflex and UFlex were enlisted to develop the system.  UFlex ultimately got the contract.  Now, obviously, some of that had to deal with the cost to Merc.  But a good deal of that also went to the performance and the durability of the system...

Food for thought...

[wessnapp]

And oddly enough, now I know I'll be seeing a few of you on Saturday so this conversation can continue there!

[Aswaff400]

wess, go with hydraulic!!! i have a sea star system on my rig. way better than the old cable...

[Treefish]

To start out with, I tried cable steering on my 19-6 with a 150 1996 Johnson. I was up on a plane and into the first turn when I decided that I was going to switch to hydraulic.  I ended up with a baystar cylinder and have no complaints. It's a night and day difference from cable steering.
 
Being able to let the wheel go so I can go mess with stuff is key.

[Capt Matt]

U-flex
Go hydraulic with that jack plate, the steering toque when that plate is up high must almost rip your hands off
Capt Matt

[akbridge]

Hydraulic steering.  You will have no regrets.  I use baystar and have no complaints.  I don't know anything about uflex.  But I have not heard anything bad about uflex either.

[wingtime]

Hydraulic all the way!   Not sure what is the best system.. the Seastar looks like a good deal.  Heard good stuff about Uflex too.  Either way it's night and day over a cable.  150 HP and up I say it's a MUST have.

[Circle Hooked]

Insurance companys like hydraulic steering alot better too.

[wessnapp]

WELL  -  Null point.  I finally got in touch with my mechanic to discuss this topic with him.  Beyond the laughs, he reminded me that the break away pin in my trim-tilt is broken and I need to repair that before anything else.  

I totally forgot about that.  My running aground that one afternoon is still paying a toll.  damn. :mad:

SO - what do you people say about that?