1970 Sakonnet Hydraulic Steering

[Skip Berry]

For a 1970 SAKONNET with an E-TEC 90, the engine dealer estimates a cost addition of $800 for upgrading to hydraulic steering.

Would another steering option be better?

[Tom Hemphill]

I have a 1970 16-foot Whaler with 90-HP Evinrude E-TEC engine and have pondered the same question. I haven't yet been able to justify the expense for hydraulic steering. I'm confident I would prefer it over my current mechanical steering.

[jimh]

For a 50-year-old 16-foot boat I don't see any steering method that would be better than hydraulic steering. The SeaStar Solutions BAYSTAR hydraulic steering would be a suitable choice. Kits with all components and fluid retail for around $750 or more. An installed cost of only $800 seems quite reasonable.

[Phil T]

Remember the KISS principle.

The only maintenance cable steering requires is the occasional squirt of grease in the fall. Hydraulic steering maintenance is a whole nother thing with seals, fluid levels, bleeding etc.

[biggiefl]

I do not see the need nor expense for Hydraulic steering on a 90hp engine. The only person I knew that did it was my friend Len and that was because he had it laying around.