Steering replacement needed
 

I'm considering replacing the steering system in my 20'. It looks like the SeaStar Big-T system and there is a bit of slack in it. I'm open to advise on replacement recommendations and repair suggestions. I purchased the boat a couple months ago for $10k and I'm in it now for about $13,500 after rewiring, rebuilding the console, adding GPS, replacing gauges, etc. etc. I'm about to paint the topside now and I don't want to spend another $1,000 on steering so I'm looking to stay with a mechanical system. Any thoughts?

Presumably you've confirmed that the culprit is not just a stretched out cable. Those rotary helms are pretty tough.

you can come in well under 1K for hydro steering if you shop around on ebay and craigslist. well worth it.

I would also check cable first like Gille suggested
but
If you decide to go hydraulic...
Go Teleflex Baystar hydraulic steering if your 150 hp or under
here is a link from ebay for starters
http://www.ebay.com/itm/TELEFLEX-BAY...7819db&vxp=mtr

I'm not sure how to check the cable but I plan to look over it this weekend to be sure that all fittings are properly tightened. How would you recommend checking it? Is hydraulic really that much better? I've never driven a boat with hydraulic steering.

You haven't lived

Agreed, hydraulic is a night and day difference..i just went with Uflex over Seastar

Okay.. You have my attention. I don't think I'm even gonna screw with the old system. The new hydro systems look pretty easy to install and look like they will be much more enjoyable. I appreciate the tips.

I purchased the seastar system that fdheld34 provided the ebay link to. Any tips on the installation?

Good choice! You won't regret not having to fight the wheel all the time. All I can think of is make sure all your connections are tight and make sure to bleed the system correctly.

Cool. I feel good about doing it. I'll just have to hold off on a new stereo for a month or two.

Does this unit fit an 18SF ?

Yes it should work

How difficult/complicated is it to install one of these units ? I have neck and back issues and hate straining with my existing steering.

Hydraulic made my boat bearable to drive. I went uflex, pieced it off eBay.

Seastar or Uflex?

The unit in the link is a Baystar not Seastar, rated up to 150hp. I've heard they work fine but if you have more power, you need Seastar. I like my NFB 4.2 with Yam F115 because I never go to the gym. :D

I bought a used hwlm off craigslist it needed rebuilding, I called this place on a sunday and the owner awnsered and I drove up to drop it off but the owner rebuilt a unit like mine and had it ready after my 2 hour drive to tamps. there on ship shape tv also


http://www.boatsteeringrebuilders.com/

http://youtu.be/TYFAUIMzkgs

If you think hydraulic steering is great, add an autopilot to it...

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