Hydraulic Steering OR new electronics? That is the question

Okay, I'm coming up with approx. $1,000 to spend on a new something for my boat (93 champioN 190). It currently has cable steering and it has a eagle fish finder at the helm and a humminbird 728 at the bow. I was originally thinking of replacing the eagle with a $800 side imaging unit for the helm but then I started thinking I could save a while longer and get the hydraulic steering.

Like to hear various opinions on which way you guys think I should go. I've heard the hydraulic steering will be more like $1,400 and my original goal was to only spend $800 so that is also a consideration. Thanks!!

Looking at the age of your boat hydraulic steering would be my choice to go unless your are not having any problems.

If the cable steering is in good shape and not a hardship to drive, I'd leave that as is considering it's a 21 year old boat. If you upgrade the electronics, you could always remove them to install on another boat if you sell your boat. If you upgrade the steering, it would stay with the boat.

If you want side imaging electronics, bigger screens are always better!!

All depends on condition of cables now. If they are good then I would definitely go with some new electronics.

I would go with the steering , your boat is 21 years old soon to be 22 , the cables could go anytime , I have had to replace steering cables on 2 boats one was 17 years old and the other 15 years

hydralic steering, you'll be glad you did.

I've done both to my '88 - first I replaced the cable steering with Seastar Hydraulic, and next, saved up for all new electronics. Getting your old boat how you want it is a process.

B.O.A.T.
Bust
Out
Another
Thousand.

Hydraulic first then electronics. As long as I have graphs that work then I could wait to upgrade. To me, steering is a very important part of safety, and I love hydraulic steering.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by LiveToDrive76

Hydraulic first then electronics. As long as I have graphs that work then I could wait to upgrade. To me, steering is a very important part of safety, and I love hydraulic steering.

---

^THIS^

ditto on the steering 1st

I keep going back and forth but I also didn't realize quite how much a new graph is. Guess I'm thinking steering at this point. Not having any trouble with steering but it is not "easy" to steer and I would love to "go straight" at slower speeds.

hyd steering without any hesitation

Yup safety first

If the cables are in good shape I would get the electronics.
If your going to have to replace them soon then you may as well do it now.

You can still catch them with the electronics you have. If your steering goes you are stuck on the hill.

If it's a choice, new Electronics all the way.

I was in the same situation, but my cable's had been replaced the year before I brought my boat. So I upgraded the electronics. Also I didn't know about Hyd steering till I drove my brother boat. Then that makes you want Hyd steering.

Steering!!

Steering, it makes the boat far more enjoyable to drive.

Here's a question now that the Original question has been answered, Is it possible to have the hydraulic ( once installed ) go past the front of the outboard and attache on the port side of the boat?

I ask because with the jackplate set back I find the hose needs to make a sharp S curve to mount to the outboard..