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  1. #1
    Member
    Join Date
    May 2020
    Location
    Lemont, IL
    Posts
    20

    Hydraulic vs power steering

    Hi guys,

    I'm a new guy to ranger, sold our old 1999 Nitro fish and ski and bought a Rangers 212LS. Received it about a month ago and just love it!!

    I do have one regret though, I did not upgrade to the power steering but I did get the hydraulic steering which turns out to be stiffer than I expected. I've have arthritis in the elbows real bad so I was wondering if anyone has had the hydraulic changed to power steering and what would be involved.

    Its a 2020, 212 LS, 250 pro xs 4 stroke

    Any thoughts or advice much appreciated!

    Joe

  2. Ranger Boats Moderator jc2bg's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Findlay, Ohio
    Posts
    12,927
    #2
    Welcome to the forum, Joe. I don’t have an answer for you myself, but possibly another forum member can advise you. The Mercury engines forum would be another source of information. I can copy your post over to that forum if you desire. If it’s a new 2020, have you checked with the selling dealer to get their input? Frequently, a selling dealer can give you some trade-in allowance on the replaced parts, both as a goodwill gesture [after all, they did make money from your recent purchase] and due to the fact that they eventually will be able to get rid of those parts to another customer.
    John Clark — Findlay, Ohio

  3. Member
    Join Date
    May 2020
    Location
    Lemont, IL
    Posts
    20
    #3
    Thanks jc,
    I did call and talked to them but have not heard back for 3 days. I am assuming their not interested or its a problem. I just wasn't sure if its even possible.
    I will call them back on Monday to see what their thoughts are.

    Thanks you for moving the thread.
    Have a great day!!

  4. Member
    Join Date
    May 2018
    Location
    Rochester, MN
    Posts
    1,108
    #4
    I assume your rig came with SeaStar Hydraulic steering. I would think the SeaStar Power Steering assist pump is a fairly easy add on. Be sure you are ready for the cost though.

    http://www.seastarsolutions.com/prod...ering-new/spa/
    2016 Ranger 1850 LS Reata / Merc 150 4s / SmartCraft / Lowrance HDS Carbon SS3D

  5. Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2019
    Location
    Shreveport, LA
    Posts
    619
    #5
    Added Bob's Machine stabilizer plate and replaced hydraulic with power steering...no more steering issues. Pd 1800$ for power steering 3 yrs ago..100$ for the plate.. powder coated myself.

  6. Mercury 3L/4 Stroke/Verado Moderator EuropeanAM's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Location
    Greenville, SC (US)
    Posts
    97,865
    #6
    This is the correct forum for 4-Stroke engines.

    As indicated above, Power Steering can be added. There would be an additional cost, however.

    Another option you might consider trying is a different (larger diameter) Steering Wheel. 1-2" more diameter can drastically decrease the effort required to turn the wheel.


    Dual Mercury Master Technician- for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC.
    Still consider myself a "Marine Apprentice" after 48 years (learn something new every day).
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