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  1. #1
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    Question keep the cables, or install hydraulic steering?

    01 187, 175 merc efI, (really a 200) runs high 60's)
    has morse cables, getting a little stiff in colder weather.
    cables =$400, hydraulic = $1000 ...(self install)
    been on boat ten years....
    Is hydraulic worth the money ?

  2. Member
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    Dec 2008
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    claremore
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    #2
    hydraulic!!!!!

  3. Banned
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    Aug 2011
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    Boerne & Three Rivers, Texas
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    18,061
    #3
    Meh, I never had any complaints about my dual cable. Well, except for when they got stiff. They sucked then! Current boat has hydraulic and it seems to be a bit more fickle.

  4. Member
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    Jun 2008
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    TN
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    #4
    If it was mine and I had the money and was gonna keep the boat 3 or more years I would upgrade to hydraulic.
    GETFISHED !!!

  5. 80.3 mph and squeezing bruce''s Avatar
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    Feb 2016
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    Southlake Texas
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    435
    #5
    Quote Originally Posted by getfished View Post
    If it was mine and I had the money and was gonna keep the boat 3 or more years I would upgrade to hydraulic.
    This^^^^^plus 1
    Fishing Texas lakes one at a time
    2000 Baltex hull 202 Elite Champion
    2016 250 pro
    8 inch Hydraulic Jack Plate
    tempest 27 work by Steve
    Hook sets are fishing reality.

  6. Member
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    Apr 2015
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    Aurora Missouri
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    #6
    I just put all new cable steering in my 190 with a 200 on it and have no issues...400 bucks vrs 1,000 bucks.....IF you blow a hydraulic line while under power your screwed..if you break a cable you still have the second cable to get home on. Then there is a possibility of a hydraulic leak with in the boat in which that oil makes a mess in the boat.
    Bruce Phillips
    1995 190 DC champion ......1995 200 xri merc

  7. Member MMosher's Avatar
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    Aug 2009
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    Bout 50 miles West of St. Louis
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    #7
    Hydro is nice but I prefer cables and the newer anti feedback cables are just that much better. Replaced em last year and really like em a bunch. Pros and cons to both. The biggest is if you blow a hydro you're dead on the water. Break a cable and you can get back to the ramp.

  8. Member
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    May 2014
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    Savannah Missouri
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    #8
    I just got rid of my cables and went to hydraulic. I just replaced my cables and helm 4 years ago and the cables were already shot. It It didn’t help that the previous owner installed a 12” jack plate so the cables had to bend in bad shapes to reach the motor.

  9. Champion Boats Moderator Lea's Avatar
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    #9
    Strangely, some folks seem to think bigger/longer is better... (setback)

  10. Member
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    Jul 2018
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    Flint Michigan
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    #10
    Quote Originally Posted by heybaylor View Post
    01 187, 175 merc efI, (really a 200) runs high 60's)
    has morse cables, getting a little stiff in colder weather.
    cables =$400, hydraulic = $1000 ...(self install)
    been on boat ten years....
    Is hydraulic worth the money ?
    before you spend money.....remove cables from engine. It may just need cleaned at engines mount. Clean and re grease.
    1994 SWIFT boat 200-SDX
    1999 Mercury EFI 150

  11. Member
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    May 2014
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    Savannah Missouri
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    #11
    Lea I ended up going with a 8” rapid jack mag per the recommendation from pat. Hopefully it will light a fire under this 190

  12. Member
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    Apr 2015
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    Aurora Missouri
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    #12
    Quote Originally Posted by Deeredude64 View Post
    Lea I ended up going with a 8” rapid jack mag per the recommendation from pat. Hopefully it will light a fire under this 190
    That's what i have on my 190 is an 8 inch per Pat.
    Bruce Phillips
    1995 190 DC champion ......1995 200 xri merc

  13. Member
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    Jun 2004
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    Alba, Texas
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    #13
    Thanks for the replies, I am going to replace the cables.
    seems like a wash on opinions.
    pro's are cost$$$ , get a feel of the engine trim( no feedback on hydraulic), no trim gauge needed )
    no leaks or failures other than getting stiffer.

    cons are have to replace every once in a while.

  14. Member
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    Apr 2012
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    Insomnia, near Seaford Delaware
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    #14
    Drive a hydraulic. Drive it slow and fast. I sincerely recommend hydraulic, and I've been on this website a long, long time and have never heard of someone breaking a hose. When I was about 70 I changed mine over by myself you should be able.

  15. Member MMosher's Avatar
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    Aug 2009
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    Bout 50 miles West of St. Louis
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    #15
    I've hauled two people back to the ramp with broken hydro. Been fishing in a third rig, dead on the water, at 2 am with broken hydro.

    Been in 2 rigs with dual cables that broke a cable. We got back to the ramp without a tow.

    If it's a machine it will fail. Decide which one is best for you.

  16. Member
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    Missouri
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    #16
    .
    Last edited by tj; 05-20-2022 at 08:27 AM.