Steering Enhancement For 184

[druthomas]

I think my tub still has the original steering from 1990. It has been stiff for a while and I plan on replacing this winter. I am trying to decide between hydraulic or a NFB cable system. I can remember some earlier threads where folks thought cable feel was superior to hydraulic. I am gonna put a 6”Hyde plate on and repower possibly to a newer 150-175. Any thoughts on NFB vs Hyd?

[dvkawboy]

Go hydraulic, when I had my 184 I was all set to do exactly what you are planing to do . But ended up getting a 188 . Still to this day wonder what thy 184 woulda felt like with a 6” plate hydraulic steering and a 175 pro xs . Be careful on weight on the new motors though . The 184 has a wood transom , verify it’s in good condition before straping a heavy new motor on there . The older black max motors were a lot lighter .

[grout-scout]

Dual no feed back was always fine to me, can’t say that I’m overly impressed with my current hydraulic steering.

[Bruce2]

Go dual cable no feed back....hydraulic steering you blow a hose you have a mess and no steering or if it springs a leak. I just put brand new NFB on my 190 with a 200 on it with no issues and i'm 65 years old.

[Littleman2009]

Go with the NFB Cable Steering.You get a better feel of what the boat and motor are doing.

With Hydraulic Steering you will always be replacing seals when they start leaking.Never had one last longer than 3 years before it started leaking.

[pops slowdog]

I have no experience with hydraulic, but am a strong believer in the NFB system. I have had mine since around 1990. Never a problem. It will also handle extra hp and torque, and high motor mounting without a problem.

[btsmbass]

Dual NFB gives you better feedback. I can tell you this, running a 17' hydrostream with 200hp+ I would never want the pillow spongy feeling of hydraulic. Hydraulic steering is for people who want a band aid for a poorly set up boat, or someone who doesn't want to learn to drive a boat properly. Cable steering gives you way more feedback in the wheel and let's you know the mistakes your making in setup and driving.

[MMosher]

Went from old skool cables to DNFBS this past year and enjoy like it. Not a fan of hydro but their nice too if you have the scratch.

[tj]

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[druthomas]

I thought I responded to this but I guess it didn’t take. Thank you for the responses, I think I’m gonna stay cables and do the DC NFB system.

I’ve seen where Pat says no grease. Should I just pull the tubes at the git go blast the grease off oil them up?

[hopalong]

my 184 turned into a water ferrari when I put the hydraulic steering on and swapped to the fast strike 175 (which is for sale). selling the boat for a 95 202 upgrade. you won't regret hydraulic at all.

[hopalong]

can't figure out how to remove the pics. screen gets all messed up and won't delete, mod help?

[hopalong]

use graphite powder if you think you need to lube them with something, won't gum up in winter and won't hold dirt etc.

[Lea]

can't figure out how to remove the pics. screen gets all messed up and won't delete, mod help?

What pictures are you wanting to remove?

[rboren]

I like the easy steer of hydraulic systems but on a fast boat I had rather have feedback system. Driving by feel not by seeing what is going on with a boat. Just better for me. So both have their places!

[druthomas]

Still going back and fourth on steering. Is there a reason I can’t use the reg Seastar system vs using the pro? I know the Baystar is out.

[n_gong]

Use the Seastar pro, with Kevlar hoses if going that route , that system is designed for higher pressure with high speed v6 motors.
Nelson

[Bruce2]

The baystar is only rated up to 150 horsepower and if boat runs 60 mph bay star is a nono….so if you do hydraulic go with the pro system

[ChampioNman]

Still going back and fourth on steering. Is there a reason I can’t use the reg Seastar system vs using the pro? I know the Baystar is out.

Have you decided on which motor you are going to buy? That would be the first thing on my mind.

[druthomas]

I totally get Baystar is a no no! But then you have reg Seastar in the middle, which is what I’m talking about. Gonna keep the 150xp for now.