[Blue_Heron]

Hey, Matt,
I went back to your first post and looked at the pics you posted of your boat. My '83 SF20 is just about identical. The console location is the same as mine, but yours looks like it has more screws holding it to the deck. Maybe they were added when the top went on. And I really like the grab rail running accross the back of the console. It's very convenient.

Anyway, Mine had teleflex cable steering on it when I picked it up in February. I have hydraulic steering on my flats skiff and really didn't like the torque feedback with the cable steering.

I couldn't find hydraulic steering for a price my budget could swallow and bought a Teleflex no-feedback helm instead. I intended it as a temporary solution, but after installing it, I'll probably stick with it. The only noticeable difference between the nfb helm and the hydraulic is that steering effort is a little harder on a left turn than on a right turn when on plane. The trim tab on the motor is maxed out, so I don't have an easy fix for that, but it's not much of an issue.

While researching hydraulic, I found Teleflex is about the only mfgr left any more. The system on my skiff is Hynautic, but Teleflex apparently bought them out. As Trayder mentioned, Uflex is coming out with some products, but I couldn't find anything that fit.

Teleflex Seastar is for engines over 150HP, Baystar is for 150HP or less. I've got a 200, so I was looking for Seastar. Best price I could find was about $675 for a complete system with hoses and fluid, but no wheel. Baystar was considerably less, but I don't recall exactly how much. I think you can find a system for around $500.

I bid on a couple used hydraulic systems on Ebay and lost. I couldn't believe used helms and cylinders were going for $400-$500. If you look long enough you may find something there. When I picked up that nfb helm for under $40, I lucked out.

Hope this is helpful. If budget is an issue, the nfb option might work out for you. I think you can pick up a complete new system with cable, helm, and wheel for about $200.

Dave