I don't think my 18' SF has a conduit that the existing Teleflex cables are running through. Is it ok to just run the hydraulic hoses under the deck and through the bilge leaving them exposed ? or should I try running a bigger hose and then run the hoses through it for protection, if that's possible.

My 18sf came with hydraulic steering, which I upgraded the helm pump (tilt!) and the hoses on when I did my refit last year.
I ran the hoses through the "conduit" that already exists below deck on the stbd side.
Its just a slot through and along the stringer, not really in the bilge.

I bought the premium teleflex hoses, and secured them as best I could, where I could.
Not really concerned about chafe.

So do I have to lift the console & remove the deck/fuel tank hatch cover to run the hoses or can I fish them through by taping the ends to the existing cable and pull/fish them through ?

When you pull the old ones out, pull a string in that was attached to them. Tie the string to the new ones and fish them threw. Should go easily if there is not a lot of stuff in already in there.

Easy enough and that is what I just explained but I don't think there is a conduit that the existing cable is going through. My question is, are the hydraulic cables ok just running loose under the cock pit sole just like the existing cable is, or should they be protected from chafing somehow since they will not be protected by a conduit ?

I would think a good quality hose would be ok but it would not hurt to slide a sock over the pair of lines before you pull them in. Go to a hydraulic hose shop and ask for the protective mesh sock material to slide over them. You can buy it by the foot. You see this on a lot of heavy equipment where hoses are exposed. Most people don't do this but it would give you piece of mind.

The sock is a great idea, I have pulled several through the bilge unprotected and never had any issues but I like the sock idea, especially giving one a "warm fuzzy" feeling know the hoses have an extra layer of protection.
Problem with tubes are they eventually are not big enough to pull everything through them as you own the boat.

Thanks, that's the kind of helpful answers/advice I was looking for.

Here you go I google-ed this real quick but you can find many different suppliers and types:

http://www.directmaterial.com/Hydrau...m?1=1&CartID=0

http://www.grainger.com/product/16P8...140221195243:s

I am redoing my entire sterling system using the sea star system my local boat yard gave me a quote fir the parts and they included all the numbers and they were dead on with what I could find on line and the yard will only charge me 200 to install can't beat that