Steering - To upgrade or not to upgrade that is the question

[GreenRino]

I have a 1999 ProCraft 180 Combo with a 150 Merc XR6, no jackplate. I moved my in-laws mooring this weekend and the line I was using got tangled around the end of the steering cables before I noticed and bent the crap out of them. Oh well, it was a bit stiff already. Just thought of myself as lucky I didn’t do any damage to the Outboard or Transom.

Now I have three choices, replace just the cables $200 and a couple brackets, upgrade to a newer manual system $300, upgrade to a rack system $3-500, or upgrade to a Hydraulic $600. (I don’t need any cost discussion; these estimates are based off one brand for all 4 options) Due to the cost of the replacement cables if I go with a manual I will just upgrade to a newer manual system for $300. I have searched the forum and only found discussions of steering issues or should I use this type or that type. None of them have had any discussion of the differences and what makes one better than another.

With all that said here is the $54,000 question “What are the main differences in the three steering systems from a performance, maintenance and handling perspective?”

All advice is appreciated because I need to order parts in the next few days to get back on the water.

GR

[mainebassn]

If you can Hydraulic for $600 I would run and have it changed now. Buddy of mine had to replace his cable steering twice in 4 yrs due to stiff steering, maybe caused because he doesn't use it that often. No issues with hydraulic plus you can steer with one finger. I have hydro steering in my boat and would never buy one without it. No brainer IMO.

[Cracker]

I was in the same situation. I have a 1999 Javelin with a 150 and steering cables locked up (replaced once before). I decided since I was keeping my boat to go with Seastar Pro and 8 inch jack plate. I made the change in March and wish I had done it years ago. Cant afford a new boat so Im trying to keep this one in top shape.

[billnorman1]

Unless the Chinese have jumped in the market, the least I could BUY the hydraulic system components was $800 or so. Hydraulic is neat.

[GreenRino]

Cracker,
What is it about the hydraulic that you like over the manual?

billnorman1,
Baystar hydraulic system is for up to 150HP and can be found online for $600. Lower if you want to trust some unknown e-bayer.

[jusmangrum]

the hydraulic is so much easier to steer. there is no feedback from the motor at all. i take it that you have never drove one with hydraulic steering?

[sv10001975]

I just upgraded my Javelin with 150 to hydraulic steering, if you can do this, you will not regret it. I put this off for a couple years due to the price and if I had ever driven a boat with hydraulic steering I would of changed immediately. You will not be disapointed in the hydraulic steering and with no feed back and ease of steering it is worth every penny.

[GreenRino]

Correct, never with hydraulic. My parents had a 21ft Glassply big ocean style boat stern drive, that had power steering. I have heard that the hydraulic is not quite as easy as power but better than manual, it sounds like it is at least $300 better:)

[jusmangrum]

yea you would understand what we are talking about if you ever drove one with hydraulic steering. i dont know if you could find someone around that has it to let you feel the difference but saying its a lot easier to steer would be an understatement. you wont regret getting it. it was a very easy decision for me to pay the money to get it. hope this helps.

[taeheel2az]

I advise hydraulic, even at twice that price. Safer and easier, especially in heavy shop.

[xb03fs]

hydraulic is sweet

[billnorman1]

Cracker,
What is it about the hydraulic that you like over the manual?

billnorman1,
Baystar hydraulic system is for up to 150HP and can be found online for $600. Lower if you want to trust some unknown e-bayer.

*Sorry I didn't notice the 150HP motor. It's right on the limit for horsepower.

[hroberts07]

If u want to keep the boat go hydraulic. I had an 05 nitro with cable steering and never thought much of it. Once i bought the z8 with hyd steering ill never go back. If u want to keep the boat and don't mind the cost then go for it. U wont regret it

[Rayburn Rat]

I replaced my NFB dual cable steering twice in three years. Installed the Sea Star Pro myself for $800 and wished I would have switched years ago. There is no comparison. Get the hydraulic and learn from people like me!

[dtaylor]

I bought my Bay Star System from Fore and Aft Marine they still have them for 449 easy to install the best investment I have made

[ChampioNman]

Cracker,
What is it about the hydraulic that you like over the manual?

billnorman1,
Baystar hydraulic system is for up to 150HP and can be found online for $600. Lower if you want to trust some unknown e-bayer.

If your boat has any semblance of running on a pad or chine walking. DO NOT buy the BAY STAR system. The system and if made for a CC style boat. NOT bass boats. You need a SeaStar system, don't cheap out and risk your life!

[javelinbass]

Listen to champ, he knows

[GreenRino]

If your boat has any semblance of running on a pad or chine walking. DO NOT buy the BAY STAR system. The system and if made for a CC style boat. NOT bass boats. You need a SeaStar system, don't cheap out and risk your life!

Thanks for the advice, however my motor is not set-up for speed, set up more for water skiing i have a great hole shot but low top end MPH.

[ChampioNman]

OK then the BayStar will work for you.

[RiverRatMD]

Don't go cheap...never know what the future brings. Kids get older and want to go fishing and go faster! DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME! Get the seastar