Steering cable question ....

[cSickNick]

Hey Guys,

On my 20' Seafari, the steering cable connecting does a tight "S" bend from exiting the splashwell hole into the old Yami outboard steering tube.

Is this correct? It seems to bind in this tight "S" area. [img]/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

A straight shot would be if the steering cable ran on top of the rear deck seat, but would look "back-yarded". [img]/images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img]

Going with the Suzy DF140, is it time to go hydraulic? What do you "cable" guys think .....

Thanks Nick

[Mi Time II]

Definitly go hydraulic if you can. You wont regret it except for the first initial shock of the cost. I think its worth it. Just my $.02.

[TUGBOAT]

Definitly go hydraulic if you can. You wont regret it except for the first initial shock of the cost. I think its worth it. Just my $.02.

Yep,Yep,& Yep !
[img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

[JohnS]

Nick,
What is that old saying, once you go _________, you don't go back? The missing word there is hydraulic!!! I have found some pretty inexpensive stuff on Ebay before, if you don't want to go new and are willing to wait a bit for the right thing to come along. The hydraulic lines should be purchased new, no matter what.

[cSickNick]

Thanks guys.

I knew you would find a way to spend some more of my hard earned $$. [img]/images/graemlins/ooo.gif[/img]

Any links, info, makes, model #, $$ of these recommended hydraulic systems?

Thanks again ... Nick [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[ScottM]

I would have to say this is probably the most popular brand out there.

http://www.seastarsteering.com/

[Michael Vezzosi]

Hey Scott M., How are ya? No contact with the Cape right now... my buddy is relaxing for two weeks in Tortola. Tough huh? Don't know how much plowing for the state he's missing. His parents, used to own the So. Wellfleet General Store, stopped by H.H. on their way down to FlaKeys for the winter. Last I spoke to Mike he had half cord surrounding Wood stove and the oil burner set at 58 degrees had not fired in weeks!!! Anyway, your advice on Seastar Hydraulic steering was right on the $! 175 Johnson loves it on the back of the 20 MA. How about those Pats? Fortunately, a lot of our friends down here are transplants!!! 45 minutes break-in time on the skiff motor last week. Nice! Take care. Vezo, Part II.

[cSickNick]

Hey guys,

You sold me on going to SeaStar hydraulic on the Seafari/DF140.

I am contemplating whether to do it myself or let the dealer install.

Any idea on how much is reasonable to pay for this upgrade at the dealer? Awaiting a final quote from the dealer, they initially stated between $1,200 - $1,500. Seems kind of high?

Do you search wizards have a site on the best pricing on this system?

I guess what i am asking is "what is the price mark for tackling it myself versus letting the dealer install".

Thanks Nick

[Dave Hirshberg]

You could probably get away with the Baystar hydraulic system made by seastar on a 140. Kits are in teh $500 range and its not hard to do yourself. Just time and patience. Check boatersworld.com for prices.

[cSickNick]

I received a price for a SeaStar installation, $1,332. Ouch?

The SeaStar kit alone seems to run in the $1K range. Anyone know if a new kit can be found for $$ less? To me the diff of ~$300 is not worth potential aggravation or future finger pointing, although getting tempting.

BayStar may be a thought, thanks ... but the dealer did not recommend. No clear answer ... yet.
Maybe because the boat max HP is 175HP vs BayStar max of 150HP?

Does anyone have BayStar? Good/bad or shell out the cash for the SeaStar?

Thoughts?

Thanks Nick