steering
 

What is everyone using for steering? I imagine most with hydraulic? Anybody happy with NFB? Remember I have a 20 and at most will have a 150.

Where have you all found the best prices on hydraulic steering?

This boat and Capt Morgan will be the death of me yet. [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img]

Re: steering
 

I've had both NFB and SeaStar hydraulic and vastly prefer the hydraulic. I used both with a 140 hp Evinrude on an SC 18'

Re: steering
 

I have experience with SeaStar having installed 1 system and integrating autopilot in another.

I also have experience with Captain Morgan, who I pinkslipped several years ago for bizarre behavior...

http://rum.com/images/leftnav_top2.gif
http://rum.com/images/leftnav_top3.gif

Re: steering
 

captain morgan? no, causes steering issues

patron? si! causes outright visual distortion! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

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Hey Tom-

Is there anything you can't do??? I'm jealous.

See you at the Dania Flea Market.

Ed

Re: steering
 

After blowing out a couple of nfb systems my new seastar is sweet!!!!

Re: steering
 

I put a new Teleflex NFB system on my boat when I repowered early last year. I upgraded from a non-NFB system and the difference is amazing. I only paid like $130 for the helm and cable from www.boatfix.com. I just couldn't justify spending $700 on a hydraulic system. No regrets so far. It steers like a dream.

BTW, the boat is a 20' Grady CC powered by an '02 Merc. 150.

Re: steering
 

I have SeaStar hydraulic steering on my Mako. Works very well (so far).

Ed

Re: steering
 

Sooner or later every cable system will require a new cable. (includes nfb system). Cable systems will always drip greasy slime in the motor well - if it doesn't make a little bit of a mess, then its not lubed enough and will probably freeze up. Cable systems are about 1/3 the cost of hydraulic, but once you have to replace the cable once, you will wish you never had to do it.

Hynautic helm pumps are stiffer than SeaStar, but the helm pump material and machining is better and more corrosion resistan than the Seastar helm.

Even with NFB, if you let the helm go at speed, the boat will turn. With hydraulic, its not an issue. Most folks will tell you that a single cable system for a 150 is not going to cut it.

I have installed hydraulic systems on every boat I've had, and those of friends. Smallest installation was a 17 mako w/ 130. I never regret any of those decisions. Just did a buddy's 17 mako as well after his cable froze, now he has a clean back end, and easy, easy steering at speed.

just my opinion, but you WILL be happy with the performance, you might have issues getting over the cost at the beginning. Installation is very straightforward and the helm pump will fit in most Teleflex cutouts.

Re: steering
 

I put a NFB on my 20 after battling against the engine for years with a standard Tele-flex. The NFB seemed to work for a while but I noticed it has a tendency to stick when left in one spot and you have to give a pretty good tug to bypass the NFB. I have a 150 also.

My 23 I bit the bullet for Seastar and it is very nice. I got the helm above the console which puts the wheel up higher than I'm used to but it is easy to fill with oil. They have a underneath mount but I don't know how you fill it. Also the hydraulic hoses are much smaller than the teleflex.....wait until you have to change one!!! [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]

Bill

if one is good then 2 is best!

Re: steering
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">They have a remote fill tube ... The fill is just mounted on the console next to or at the top of the SS mounting flange ..... I'll try to find a picture

Re: steering
 

http://www.foreandaftmarine.com/1-Rm_Helm_Dim.gif

Well this is a vertical mount ....but you get the idea

Anyone using the rear mount on a center console ??? and does the 4 to 5 or so inches lost in height by the pump housing mounting under the dash make the wheel too low ? I know one member has it .... and If not mistaken the new boats use the rear mount [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Re: steering
 

Scott,
I have the rear mount on both boats and
the wheel height is perfect [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] Looks
cleaner too.

Re: steering
 

There should be some great deals on steering systems at the Flea Market!

(caught 2 swords last week...)

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Other Tom

Your using the SeaVee Right? Isn't the birdie still under construction [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img]

Are you battling them with 50's or 80's?

Re: steering
 

Tango,
You and I need to hook up and compare notes. I'm staying with cable on this one until I decide if I like the boat or not. Loved the 23 Sceptre but still havent run my 20 Sceptre. We'll see. My office is in Downtown Ft Myers across the street from the new Crabby Joes at Centennial Harbor marina.
Dave

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<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Thats what I like [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

Re: steering
 

Chuck, Went 0 for 4 last night. Fed a nice swordy his supper, but he wasn't going to come home with us....got rough on the way in, had 18 knots out of the NW.

Yes, I am fortunate to have the Whitewater (seavee, whitewater, rampone, etc from back in the day..) to use. I can't think of a reason not to keep it for a long time. Its better to fight a big fish from the bow of a CC than to drive the Bertram around in reverse for a few hours. Plus, when beam-to with a sea anchor you can set a better spread bow-to-stern. I have been using 2 80s w/ bentbutts for the long / deep rods, and 4 50s for the shorter baloons and tip rods. Most times its only 3 baloons and 2 tips. Bow rod is a squid straight down, stern tip is at 75' with a livie. Been happy with Tiagras and using wind-ons and short leaders so you can control the fish with the rod a little bit.

sorry, this is a bit off topic from the steering questions - hope Trayder doesn't censor us....

Re: steering
 

Tango,
Check Hardcore Marine for used hydraulic steering. They usually have some stuff at really reasonable prices. They are here in Miami. Check their website @ www.hardcoremarine.com

[ January 16, 2004, 04:52 PM: Message edited by: JohnS ]

Re: steering
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Scott, I've got the rear mount on the Seabird. Wheel height is just right, and like Chris said, it looks right. The only thing I can't figure out yet is how to check the helm for fluid level. My fill hole is mounted inside the console at an angle that is tough to see into.