Switch from cable to hydraulic steering
 

I've decided that this winters project for my 23' inboard will be to switch from the worn out cable steering to a hydraulic system. My question is which one? I know everyone has an opinion so if you would justify your preference I would appreciate it.

Thanks in advance.

Re: Switch from cable to hydraulic steering
 

The only ones I have seen recently is the Sea-Star. They bought Hynautics (which my boat came with)out years ago.

Re: Switch from cable to hydraulic steering
 

Sea Star with the highest ratio (fastest) pump

Re: Switch from cable to hydraulic steering
 

is it a true inboard? if it is i would save the money and the hassle. just replace the cables because your not contending with prop torque so you really dont need "power" steering. just my opinion

Re: Switch from cable to hydraulic steering
 

I gotta agree with nuthinfancy. Cable versus hydraulic makes a huge difference on an outboard powered boat, but an inboard or I/O with power steering shouldn't benefit from hydraulic enough to justify the extra cost.

My $0.02
Dave

Re: Switch from cable to hydraulic steering
 

hydraulic on an inboard is like a stereo with great high frequency response on a Harley. You can do it, but why?

Re: Switch from cable to hydraulic steering
 

I converted my 23 Sceptre to hydraulic because the cable steering was worn and very sloppy. I like the feel of the SeaStar system much better than cable steering and it allowed me to install an autopilot which is great on long runs. The hardest part of the install was getting the old cable out! BTW, my boat is a Volvo I/O with power assist steering.

Re: Switch from cable to hydraulic steering
 

jon2002, the hyd.steering benefited you because of the i/o and the prop torque. in the case of the true inboard the rudder isnt effected by prop torque there for why go hyd. if i were in his situation i would go with the original setup. btw raymarine makes an autopilot system for cable steering systems.

Re: Switch from cable to hydraulic steering
 

Nice Job!
This is exactly the dialog I was hoping for. Yes, it is a "True" inboard and prop torque is not the issue. I was hoping to eliminate any play in the steering by going hyd.

Re: Switch from cable to hydraulic steering
 

Change to hydraulic and you lose the slop! I never liked the feel of cable steering on any of the boats I have owned with cable. Even when new there is some freeplay. You have to decide if it is worth the money. Good luck!

Re: Switch from cable to hydraulic steering
 

I couldn't agree more, even the 'mechanical cable' a lot of manufactures are using. Probably one of the best examples of these problems are the larger sailboats I get to crew on with some regularity. One has a higher end cabling system on it with springs and such to 'take up' any slack and the other has hydraulic. On the cable set up we are CONSTANTLY fine tuning the helm setting or diddling with the autopilot. We can't seem to get better than 2-3 degree consistent holds on course; the hydraulic- set it and forget it, it holds (+/- 1 degree) bearing without running the batteries down. The only time the autopilot seems to kick in is when there is a change in the current flow or wind conditions conditions.

Reviving an old post. But weighing the pros/cons of doing this conversion on my 23 straight inboard.

My biggest reason why I would like to do the swap is when I take my hand off the wheel the boat will eventually turn. I want the piece of mind that if I take my hand off the wheel that she'll stay on the heading I left it at.

So. Will hydraulic remedy this for me?

I'm looking at the teleflex HC5312 cylinder and the 5271 helm.