1989 SPORT 15 Hydraulic Steering

[marshwabbit]

My 1989 SPORT 15 boat has a 1998 Yamaha 75-HP outboard engine. If the engine is not trimmed perfectly, you cannot let go of the steering wheel.

I need to replace the Teleflex steering cable. I would like change to hydraulic steering. Does anyone have any photographs?

Thanks.

[jimh]

I am not clear what sort of photographs you are seeking. I don't think a very large number of SPORT 15 have been re-fitted with hydraulic steering, so photographs of such a boat may be hard to find.

Telelflex Marine is no longer the branding for boat steering. The company re-organized. Marine steering is now sold under the brand name SEASTAR SOLUTIONS. For more about the name change see

Teleflex Marine Becomes SeaStar Solutions
http://continuouswave.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=2044&p=11944

For a SPORT 15 the engine is going to be less than 150-HP so you could use the smaller BayStar hydraulic steering. Find more about BayStar hydraulic steering at

http://www.seastarsolutions.com/products/hydraulic-new/outboard-new/baystar/

When you order the hydraulic steering the components are usually best purchased in a package bundle or kit, and you can select the length of the hydraulic lines at that time. The distance between the helm pump and the actuator on a SPORT 15 will be short. You may find that the pre-packaged bundles in stock at major distributors have longer hoses than you will need.

[Wweez]

Have you tried to reduce the torque by adjusting the trim tab beneath the cavitation plate?
Is the motor set high enough on the transom? Too deep in the water will increase torque feedback.

No Feed back cable systems are available if you choose to keep the cable system. You may have to replace the helm to use this system.

Hydraulic systems are wonderful. I would like one on my 170, but the [cost] is just beyond today's rationale. Maybe tomorrow!

Look for BayStar [from SeaStar Solutions] as suggested.

Good Luck.

[Simon]

I agree with the [recommendation to use] no-feedback [steering]. I have a 15-footer with a [Yamaha F70 engine] and [the no-feedback steering] works great. I can run the boat without my hands on the wheel. The cost was around $100.

[russellbailey]

Baystar [hydraulic steering] works fine. We have it on our Striper 15.

What are you seeking in a picture?

[marshwabbit]

[I] have set the little trim (zinc) tab set for my best cruising, but when you trim down [the steering wheel] pulls left; trim too high and [the steering wheel] pulls right.

[I] have hydraulic [steering] on my other boat. I am used to being able to let go the wheel without getting thrown out of the boat.

[I]'ll take a look at the [B]aystar [hydraulic steering or perhaps] "no feedback." [I] an looking for a photo of a hydraulic [steering] installation [on a Boston Whaler c.1989 SPORT 15].

[T]hanks for the responses.

[Phil T]

Marsh--there is nothing wrong with your steering. That is how it is designed.

Your steering description reads it is operating correctly. I would not adjust the anode trim tab.

In recent times, owners want "no-feedback" steering. At speed, if one lets go for a moment the wheel will not turn. There is a mechanism in the helm that holds the wheel shaft in position.

With a small boat capable of high speeds, one incorrect steering input at moderate to high speed may cause a mishap. For this reason it is a good idea to have the requirement of holding on to the wheel at all times.

Hydraulic steering will require replacing the cable and the helm, the kits run [more than] $1,000 with increased periodic maintenance.

[TTB]

I put a Baystar system on my Classic 15. The boat has a 50 hp 2-stroke Yamaha on a Bob's Marine hydraulic jackplate. I love the setup. I can raise/lower the motor while on plane without my hands on the helm and the boat tracks straight as an arrow. I recommend ditching your cable steering.

TJ