Upgrading to hydraulic steering ... have some questions

[Noob]

Okay so I need to ditch the old R&P cable type system and upgrade to hydraulic steering. Turning the steering wheel on this Javelin 389T with the Johnson 175 FastStrike is like dragging a dead body and about as responsive. I’m an able mechanic as far as cars and motorcycles go … but never wrenched on a boat. I don’t even know where to begin to look for the best deal on a hydraulic system or which manufacturer’s products to use ... or if I should even attempt to do this myself instead of just paying the man. All I do know is that I need to “Git er done … “

So my thoughts were should I do this myself or hire it out AND if I do it myself where do I go so’s I can get the parts at the best price? I was also asking myself “Self … where can I go to get some advice on this … hmmmmmmm “

[Luke]

when i had my old Javelin 400 i added hydro to it and it wasnt to bad of a job
kind of a pain running the hoses but its not really that bad to do
if you can work on cars and all that you can do it nothin to major about it really

[Eddie21X]

Sea Pro Hydraulic Steering Systems are the most popular and I've never had any problems w/this brand...Just make sure system is bled out and steering is real tight..meaning when you turn wheel, no slack at wheel.

Man, I had a 400TE Jav way back when too and that boat would cook..225 Vindactor on back w/12 inch plate. It would hook up and go.

[marshall256]

SeaStar Pro Hydraulic Steering - Manufactured by Teleflex

You can get all the information you need on Teleflex's website...here's you a link.

http://ww2.seastarsteering.com/

You'll need to do a search on the web for the best price....I've seen as much as $300 difference in price on the web. On the site above, you can also take a look at the Installation and Operation manual. This will give you an idea as to how easy or difficult it would be for you to install yourself. I installed this system on my last boat and did it in about a day by myself. Hardest thing was pulling the old cable system out and pulling the hoses through the boat. The rest is pretty straight forward. It will save you some money to do it yourself, but if you're not confident you can handle it...then take it to your dealer.

[Javelin389]

I put my Sea-Star steering in my Javelin. One of the hardest parts was running the hoses. My old steering was run thru some type of hanger/wire-ties and it was kind of a pain to get the hoses thru. Just had to keep messing with it. Other than that, you will need to enlarge the steering column hole for the hydraulic unit. Maybe someone can correct me on this, but I seem to remember having to lift the engine to mount the cylinder. Not positive on that. It's been too long ago. Either way you go, you won't regret adding the hydro steering. BIG difference!!!!

[ChampioNman]

Use the template to cut your Helm, the worst part is cutting that 3" hole for the new steering station.. When you pull the old cables out attach a 20' piece of 3/8" nylon rope to each cable and pull back through the hull. When feeding the new hoses through mark one with a piece of tape as the hoses need to be swapped between the helm and the piston so that will help you out. You get 2 quarts with the kit, use one to fill and the second to top off but when you bleed it off bleed it into a clean container and save it. $16.95/qt is expensive. 2 man job to bleed and I'd love to see somebody do it in an hour. About 1 to take out the old system cables, 1 hr to remove the the helm, 1 hr to line all the stuff up plus hole boring and then the bleed process. 4-5 hrs minimum.

[Dover]

it sounds easier than done - but for some McGyvers out there, I'm sure it is a piece of cake; not for me though ....

[oep_190]

Do you have to lift the motor to install the cylinder? I am installing a Sea Star cylinder on a Yamaha 150 VMAX and that is the only part that is not clear.

Also if you do have to lift the motor...how does one do that in a home garage?

Thanks

[Btturbo]

OEP....did you end up converting? I am in progress now and don't see how I can remove cables and install cylinder without lifting motor as well, same sl190 Vmax 150 as you. How did you end up doing it?

[937footer]

I just installed on a 1988 Ranger 363V with a 1998 150 Rude. Cut the ends of the old cables off and I just duct taped the old end to the hose end and pulled them through , was easy that way. The tough part was cutting the steering wheel hole larger and keeping it centered. Didn't have to remove or raise motor to install actuator. Definitely two person bleed job. I would say a 3 to 4 hour job.