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Author Topic:   U-Flex--the USA-Made Option

jimh posted 11-06-2012 02:19 PM ET (US)
Recently it was represented to me that U-Flex hydraulic steering has become the OEM choice of a very highly respected boat builder we all know and love, Boston Whaler. I have not independently confirmed this myself, but I don't think I was being lied to by the fellow who gave me this information.
I believe that U-Flex was already a supplier of some part of the hydraulic steering systems used on the VERADO L6 engines, so apparently U-Flex have a good relationship with Mercury Marine. If U-Flex have added Boston Whaler to their list of OEM customers, that would be a nice association of brands, with U-Flex getting most of the benefit.
I looked closely at some U-Flex hydraulic steering components lately and some of their details did seem to be improvements over the Teleflex designs. Two things stood out:
--at the actuator cylinders the 90-degree elbow fittings that thread into the actuator can be set to any orientation with a locking nut; on the Teleflex the fittings use a pipe thread and end up oriented in a random direction, more or less. You can really reef-down on them to get them to point where you like if they're close; and,
--the helm pump shaft on the U-Flex is stainless steel which is said to better resist wear and development of grooves that cause leaks than the aluminum shaft in a Teleflex helm pump; it was also observed that the seals are probably better in the U-Flex.
I have not made a scientific comparison of the features and no comparison at all of the prices. My first guess is U-Flex might be less expensive than Teleflex, but I really don't know.
If anyone has some first-hand experience with U-Flex then let's please hear from you. I have a bit experience with Teleflex--my 20-year-old system is still working with only one very minor repair: a new front shaft seal O-ring that took all of five minutes to install. I'd say that is a good track record. Any word about U-Flex?
jimh posted 11-06-2012 04:24 PM ET (US)
U-Flex is in Sarasota, Florida. Here is the history of UltraFlex, the parent of U-Flex:
1935--Aldo Giosuè Gai founded Ultraflex in Genoa,
flexible metal hoses as first production.
1946--Remote control cables production.
1950--New factory in Genoa – Sturla.
1953--First products for marine applications.
1960 --New factory in Recco (Genoa).
1964 --Family second generation in force, starting
of architectural business.
1976 --IL founded in Leivi (Genoa) fully dedicated to industrial production. Marine export to the USA.
1980 --The factory in Recco is largely increased.
1985 --Plastic steering wheels for marine applications.
1988--Ultraflex Control Systems founded in Genoa, fully dedicated to architectural business.
Uflex founded in Genoa, dedicated to product distribution.
1989--Family third generation in force; U-Flex USA--founded in Seattle, WA.
1993--Ultraflex new factory in Casella (Genoa).
1996--Uflex Energy Division, fully dedicated to RE and energy saving technologies.
1998--Marine accessory production starts in Seattle, WA.
Ultraflex Control Systems new factory in Busalla, Genoa.
1999--New offices and warehouse opened in Sarasota, FL.
2000--I.L. Production facility in Carasco (Ge)
is largerly increased.
2001-- Group holding Finultra founded in Genoa.
Introduction of marine electronic products.
2002 --Uflex USA, new factory in Sarasota, FL.
First installation of Gilux.
2002--Ultraflex, new facility for the production
of hydraulic steering systems in Casella, Genoa.
2003--Ultraflex Control Systems, new factory in Busalla, Genoa.
2007--Production of hydraulic steering systems in Sarasota.
2008--Foundation of Maresi Ltd in Malta.
jimh posted 11-06-2012 04:36 PM ET (US)
If anyone has some first-hand experience with U-Flex, let's hear from you. If you have installed or used a U-Flex steering system, please join the discussion and let us know your opinion of it.?
Plotman posted 11-06-2012 06:18 PM ET (US)
It's apropos that JimH posted this because I fished last month on a boat in Lake of the Woods that had U flex steering on it. It was a large (21 or 22') Lund Walleye boat. It had U-Flex Steering on it and I talked about it with my guide. It worked fine for the 2 days I fished with him, and he seemed to be quite happy with it.
ericflys posted 11-06-2012 08:37 PM ET (US)
I believe all Mercury branded steering systems are made by U-Flex. Based on my experience, I believe the systems are superior to the Teleflex systems for all of the reasons jimh mentioned. The components seems more heavy duty overall.
andygere posted 11-06-2012 11:49 PM ET (US)
I installed a UFlex Binnacle control on my Outrage 22. It was one of the few controls out there that could accommodate both my Mercury kicker and my Evinrude main outboard. I like that the trim switch for each motor is in each individual control handle, not paired up on the left handle like so many of them are. This allowed me to use the starboard handle for the main engine, and the port handle for the kicker, matching the orientation of the motors on the transom. It's a beefy unit that operates smoothly, looks good, and fit my console. I could not find a Teleflex unit that met these criteria at the time I purchased this unit.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/andygere/Repower/IMG_1417.jpg
By the way, there is a company founded in India called UFlex that makes flexible packaging. It's not the same company. The UFlex that makes boat steering and controls was originally called UltraFlex, because the started off producing flexible metal hoses.
jimh posted 11-07-2012 12:28 AM ET (US)
Eric and Patrick--thanks for the information on the U-Flex steering and also their controls. I spent a few minutes looking at the U-Flex center-mount outboard engine actuators and accessories in person recently, and I agree with the characterization that they appear to be built in a more heavy-duty manner than Teleflex component for the same application. But I don't have any first-hand experience with them, so I don't know how they work in the field or how well they hold up in use.
goldstem posted 11-07-2012 02:51 PM ET (US)
When I replaced the steering on my 13, I was able to buy a uflex rotary helm and cable for less than the price of just the teleflex cable (although I think the cables are compatible). so I did. the uflex helm, of course not at all hydraulic) has been in every way the equal of the teleflex. I would not hesitate to buy another
Erik 88Montauk posted 11-08-2012 07:59 AM ET (US)
On topic: The U-Flex system looks pretty good, I have been contemplating the switch to Hydraulic and they may have a system worth looking into. Nice info Jim, thanks.
jimh posted 11-08-2012 11:29 PM ET (US)
I have taken a ruthless editing pen to this thread.
I am very disappointed that this discussion was turned into a three ring circus by one person deciding he would post false information about U-Flex. I have deleted all the false information, and the many comments that the false information elicited, even though many of them were quite witty.
I began this thread to solicit information about U-Flex from people who know about them. People who don't know anything about them should refrain from making up stuff and posting it to this thread. Thank you.
Tom W Clark posted 11-09-2012 10:27 AM ET (US)
U-Flex has been around for a long time. They make great products. Generally their products are priced very closely to Telefex's. They also cross reference most of their product to Teleflex's. If Teleflex makes a product, you can be sure that U-Flex makes an equivalent product.
For anybody stupid enough to still think, in the year 2012, that it is better to buy only products made in their own county, visit your local community college and sign up for Economics 101. An Instructor will explain the concept of comparative advantage to you. Comparative advantage allows us to enjoy the high standard of living that we do.
L H G posted 11-09-2012 01:34 PM ET (US)
Anybody stupid enough in economics to not know that the Standard of Living index in this country peaked in 1971, and has been going down ever since, should go back to high school. We were recently ranked 12th among nations in standard of living, down from first in 1971.
jimh posted 11-09-2012 01:54 PM ET (US)
Where do we rank in hydraulic steering manufacturing? That's the topic, thank you.
jimh posted 11-09-2012 02:39 PM ET (US)
Did I mention that U-Flex is made in a factory in Florida? From their 2012 catalogue I find:

quote:
Established in 1989 Uflex USA is a leader in steering and control systems for the marine industry. With full manufacturing capabilities in Sarasota, Florida, Uflex USA can support all sectors of the marine industry regardless of the volume and/or product requirements. And, as an affiliate of the Ultraflex Group, Uflex USA has tremendous resources to draw upon for new product development in hydraulics, electronics and many other technologies.
K Albus posted 11-09-2012 02:51 PM ET (US)
Based on the timeline in Jim's second post, Uflex USA was not founded until 1989, approximately 18 years after 1971 [that is, when the standard of living peaked according to some unknown reference cited by L H G--jimh]. Based on that fact, I can only think of Uflex USA as a parasitic company, feasting on the decaying corpse of the once-proud and prosperous United States of American. Never mind that Uflex USA apparently manufactures good products in the United States and provides jobs to Americans. I refuse to purchase any Uflex products henceforth!
L H G posted 11-09-2012 03:31 PM ET (US)
[Misinterpreted Kevin's rather humerous posting, probably intentionally.] [Started new topic; please start a new thread for your new topic. Thank you.] [Did not have any first-hand information to offer about U-Flex products; please note we are interested in hearing from people who have used U-Flex products or actually know something factual about them. Please sit on your hands if you don't have any first-hand experience to offer or don't know anything about U-Flex. --jimh]
jimh posted 11-10-2012 10:01 AM ET (US)
Dave--I recommend you download the U-Flex 2012 catalogue in PDF form from their website. Here is the link:
http://uflexusa.ultraflexgroup.com/public/File/UFLEX2012_USA.pdf
In addition to the hydraulic steering components already mentioned in this discussion, U-Flex also makes an extremely wide variety of mechanical-link engine throttle and shift controls. Some of these controls are very distinctive in their style and design. They have one set of controls that looks like it belongs on the bridge of a modern warship, and, if I were going to re-fit new controls on an engine with mechanically linked controls, I would consider using those controls. They would make a fantastic and unique set up.
U-Flex also makes control cables for linking to the engine. I saw a demonstration of the flexibility of the U-Flex control cables, and I was impressed. The cables can be bent into ridiculously small radius bends and still operate smoothly.
At this point my impression of U-Flex is only from seeing their products on display, and not from actual use of their products. However, I have to say that the display was the best presentation I have ever seen of hydraulic steering components. U-Flex made a substantial effort to present their products in an impressive manner, and I was impressed.
I also speculate that the location of their factory in Florida and close to so many boat builders has helped U-Flex sell their products to boat builders like Boston Whaler. So many boat builders are concentrated in Florida that it makes perfect sense to locate a manufacturing facility there.
Robert V posted 11-15-2012 10:39 AM ET (US)
I have the U-Flex hydraulic steering on my boat. The boat is a 2008 205 Conquest with a Mercury Verado 150 HP. The steering is standard hydraulic, not the power assisted like the larger Verado motors. I have had no problems with the steering system and my only comment is regarding the helm fluid. The fluid used in the system is red, Mercury Power Trim Fluid, versus the usual light amber helm fluid typical of Teleflex systems. It was a little difficult finding information regarding the correct fluid for the system but that was resolved with a call to Boston Whaler Customer Service. The factory manual for the steering system was very vague and did not include information regarding the system fluid. Other than that, which was a small inconvenience, I have been very pleased with the product.
Robert
floater88 posted 11-16-2012 07:14 PM ET (US)
Great info guys. I'm looking at this system now for my Revenge instead of the Seastar. I've tried twice now to get U-Flex to reply to my questions and no answer! Sure hope they get back to me soon.
John W posted 11-16-2012 08:46 PM ET (US)
I have experience with the U-Flex rotary steering systems (not hydraulic), and they are superior to Teleflex. U-Flex use three gears versus Teleflex which uses two. U-Flex is a better, longer lasting system.
Buckda posted 11-17-2012 07:15 PM ET (US)
Floater88 -
I also have requested infomation from U-Flex, as I would like to replace the old hynautics system on my 25' Outrage. I'm waiting to hear back from them as well.
It's been only two business days, however.
Dave
Buckda posted 11-26-2012 04:54 PM ET (US)
Floater -
Heard back from them today.
Here is their recommendation for my 25' Outrage with twin engines.
I haven't had a chance to price this out yet.

quote:
Dave,

The system I would recommend is as follows:

1- UC128OBF-2
1- UC128OBF-2P
1- UP28 SERIES HELM, tilt, front mount or rear mount.
1- A90X(engine centers) tie bar
KITOB STYLE HOSES in even increment sizes for whatever length you need
3- OIL 15 quarts of oil
floater88 posted 11-26-2012 05:23 PM ET (US)
Thanks Buckda. I heard from them too. They said my mail went to a trash file:) THey recommended the Protech 1 for my 20 foot Revenge with a single 200 Merc. I'm gonna shop around now and try to find this system up here in Canada. Boat show will be here in Feb so i'm hoping to see them there.
Buckda posted 11-26-2012 06:04 PM ET (US)
FYI -
WMJ Marine has the complete UFlex system recommended for under $600. This is without the hoses or oil - so for about $650, you'd get the whole system.
Not too bad!
It's very competitive with the prices I've seen for a SeaStar system.
Buckda posted 11-26-2012 06:11 PM ET (US)
I may try this system for a project boat I'm working on....
floater88 posted 11-27-2012 06:20 AM ET (US)
Thanks for the tip Buckda. That is a good price.
Buckda posted 11-30-2012 06:56 PM ET (US)
Well, I just ordered that dual engine kit from WMJMarine.com. Still on their Website, but no longer available.
FYI.
Dave
64nauset posted 12-15-2012 08:21 PM ET (US)
Before restoring the Nauset, it was our sailboat that was needing new steering parts. Vessel was in need of a new rotary steering unit. Rack and pinion wouldn't fit, only rotary. Two other Teleflex units fizzled out in a few years. After consulting with a U-Flex engineer, I went with theirs as a replacement. As mentioned in a post above, all parts for rotary steering were interchangeable between Teleflex and U-Flex. I found this to be true. Teleflex mounting plate was retained. System was replaced with both a U-Flex rotary box and cable. The three gear system of the U-Flex seemed like it should be stronger. It was. The Teleflex units lasted about two years on average, and the U-Flex was still going after five years. Boat was sold, so there isn't a failure date on the U-Flex. The reason steering units weren't lasting is that MacGregor undersized the steering. Notwithstanding, the U-Flex held up anyway.
I asked why their (U-Flex) unit was a bit more money and the engineer explained that Teleflex virtually gives away their units to the manufacturer in order to get their name on the steering, hoping to get the replacement above other manufacturers if the time comes for repair. Even though at the time the U-Flex was $20 more, it was a wise decision to switch brands. Nice to know U-Flex makes things in this country. Also, they were very helpful on the phone. I'll stick with U-Flex for my future steering needs if possible.

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Author	Topic: U-Flex--the USA-Made Option
jimh	posted 11-06-2012 02:19 PM ET (US) Recently it was represented to me that U-Flex hydraulic steering has become the OEM choice of a very highly respected boat builder we all know and love, Boston Whaler. I have not independently confirmed this myself, but I don't think I was being lied to by the fellow who gave me this information. I believe that U-Flex was already a supplier of some part of the hydraulic steering systems used on the VERADO L6 engines, so apparently U-Flex have a good relationship with Mercury Marine. If U-Flex have added Boston Whaler to their list of OEM customers, that would be a nice association of brands, with U-Flex getting most of the benefit. I looked closely at some U-Flex hydraulic steering components lately and some of their details did seem to be improvements over the Teleflex designs. Two things stood out: --at the actuator cylinders the 90-degree elbow fittings that thread into the actuator can be set to any orientation with a locking nut; on the Teleflex the fittings use a pipe thread and end up oriented in a random direction, more or less. You can really reef-down on them to get them to point where you like if they're close; and, --the helm pump shaft on the U-Flex is stainless steel which is said to better resist wear and development of grooves that cause leaks than the aluminum shaft in a Teleflex helm pump; it was also observed that the seals are probably better in the U-Flex. I have not made a scientific comparison of the features and no comparison at all of the prices. My first guess is U-Flex might be less expensive than Teleflex, but I really don't know. If anyone has some first-hand experience with U-Flex then let's please hear from you. I have a bit experience with Teleflex--my 20-year-old system is still working with only one very minor repair: a new front shaft seal O-ring that took all of five minutes to install. I'd say that is a good track record. Any word about U-Flex?
jimh	posted 11-06-2012 04:24 PM ET (US) U-Flex is in Sarasota, Florida. Here is the history of UltraFlex, the parent of U-Flex: 1935--Aldo Giosuè Gai founded Ultraflex in Genoa, flexible metal hoses as first production. 1946--Remote control cables production. 1950--New factory in Genoa – Sturla. 1953--First products for marine applications. 1960 --New factory in Recco (Genoa). 1964 --Family second generation in force, starting of architectural business. 1976 --IL founded in Leivi (Genoa) fully dedicated to industrial production. Marine export to the USA. 1980 --The factory in Recco is largely increased. 1985 --Plastic steering wheels for marine applications. 1988--Ultraflex Control Systems founded in Genoa, fully dedicated to architectural business. Uflex founded in Genoa, dedicated to product distribution. 1989--Family third generation in force; U-Flex USA--founded in Seattle, WA. 1993--Ultraflex new factory in Casella (Genoa). 1996--Uflex Energy Division, fully dedicated to RE and energy saving technologies. 1998--Marine accessory production starts in Seattle, WA. Ultraflex Control Systems new factory in Busalla, Genoa. 1999--New offices and warehouse opened in Sarasota, FL. 2000--I.L. Production facility in Carasco (Ge) is largerly increased. 2001-- Group holding Finultra founded in Genoa. Introduction of marine electronic products. 2002 --Uflex USA, new factory in Sarasota, FL. First installation of Gilux. 2002--Ultraflex, new facility for the production of hydraulic steering systems in Casella, Genoa. 2003--Ultraflex Control Systems, new factory in Busalla, Genoa. 2007--Production of hydraulic steering systems in Sarasota. 2008--Foundation of Maresi Ltd in Malta.
jimh	posted 11-06-2012 04:36 PM ET (US) If anyone has some first-hand experience with U-Flex, let's hear from you. If you have installed or used a U-Flex steering system, please join the discussion and let us know your opinion of it.?
Plotman	posted 11-06-2012 06:18 PM ET (US) It's apropos that JimH posted this because I fished last month on a boat in Lake of the Woods that had U flex steering on it. It was a large (21 or 22') Lund Walleye boat. It had U-Flex Steering on it and I talked about it with my guide. It worked fine for the 2 days I fished with him, and he seemed to be quite happy with it.
ericflys	posted 11-06-2012 08:37 PM ET (US) I believe all Mercury branded steering systems are made by U-Flex. Based on my experience, I believe the systems are superior to the Teleflex systems for all of the reasons jimh mentioned. The components seems more heavy duty overall.
andygere	posted 11-06-2012 11:49 PM ET (US) I installed a UFlex Binnacle control on my Outrage 22. It was one of the few controls out there that could accommodate both my Mercury kicker and my Evinrude main outboard. I like that the trim switch for each motor is in each individual control handle, not paired up on the left handle like so many of them are. This allowed me to use the starboard handle for the main engine, and the port handle for the kicker, matching the orientation of the motors on the transom. It's a beefy unit that operates smoothly, looks good, and fit my console. I could not find a Teleflex unit that met these criteria at the time I purchased this unit. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/andygere/Repower/IMG_1417.jpg By the way, there is a company founded in India called UFlex that makes flexible packaging. It's not the same company. The UFlex that makes boat steering and controls was originally called UltraFlex, because the started off producing flexible metal hoses.
jimh	posted 11-07-2012 12:28 AM ET (US) Eric and Patrick--thanks for the information on the U-Flex steering and also their controls. I spent a few minutes looking at the U-Flex center-mount outboard engine actuators and accessories in person recently, and I agree with the characterization that they appear to be built in a more heavy-duty manner than Teleflex component for the same application. But I don't have any first-hand experience with them, so I don't know how they work in the field or how well they hold up in use.
goldstem	posted 11-07-2012 02:51 PM ET (US) When I replaced the steering on my 13, I was able to buy a uflex rotary helm and cable for less than the price of just the teleflex cable (although I think the cables are compatible). so I did. the uflex helm, of course not at all hydraulic) has been in every way the equal of the teleflex. I would not hesitate to buy another
Erik 88Montauk	posted 11-08-2012 07:59 AM ET (US) On topic: The U-Flex system looks pretty good, I have been contemplating the switch to Hydraulic and they may have a system worth looking into. Nice info Jim, thanks.
jimh	posted 11-08-2012 11:29 PM ET (US) I have taken a ruthless editing pen to this thread. I am very disappointed that this discussion was turned into a three ring circus by one person deciding he would post false information about U-Flex. I have deleted all the false information, and the many comments that the false information elicited, even though many of them were quite witty. I began this thread to solicit information about U-Flex from people who know about them. People who don't know anything about them should refrain from making up stuff and posting it to this thread. Thank you.
Tom W Clark	posted 11-09-2012 10:27 AM ET (US) U-Flex has been around for a long time. They make great products. Generally their products are priced very closely to Telefex's. They also cross reference most of their product to Teleflex's. If Teleflex makes a product, you can be sure that U-Flex makes an equivalent product. For anybody stupid enough to still think, in the year 2012, that it is better to buy only products made in their own county, visit your local community college and sign up for Economics 101. An Instructor will explain the concept of comparative advantage to you. Comparative advantage allows us to enjoy the high standard of living that we do.
L H G	posted 11-09-2012 01:34 PM ET (US) Anybody stupid enough in economics to not know that the Standard of Living index in this country peaked in 1971, and has been going down ever since, should go back to high school. We were recently ranked 12th among nations in standard of living, down from first in 1971.
jimh	posted 11-09-2012 01:54 PM ET (US) Where do we rank in hydraulic steering manufacturing? That's the topic, thank you.
jimh	posted 11-09-2012 02:39 PM ET (US) Did I mention that U-Flex is made in a factory in Florida? From their 2012 catalogue I find: quote: Established in 1989 Uflex USA is a leader in steering and control systems for the marine industry. With full manufacturing capabilities in Sarasota, Florida, Uflex USA can support all sectors of the marine industry regardless of the volume and/or product requirements. And, as an affiliate of the Ultraflex Group, Uflex USA has tremendous resources to draw upon for new product development in hydraulics, electronics and many other technologies.
K Albus	posted 11-09-2012 02:51 PM ET (US) Based on the timeline in Jim's second post, Uflex USA was not founded until 1989, approximately 18 years after 1971 [that is, when the standard of living peaked according to some unknown reference cited by L H G--jimh]. Based on that fact, I can only think of Uflex USA as a parasitic company, feasting on the decaying corpse of the once-proud and prosperous United States of American. Never mind that Uflex USA apparently manufactures good products in the United States and provides jobs to Americans. I refuse to purchase any Uflex products henceforth!
L H G	posted 11-09-2012 03:31 PM ET (US) [Misinterpreted Kevin's rather humerous posting, probably intentionally.] [Started new topic; please start a new thread for your new topic. Thank you.] [Did not have any first-hand information to offer about U-Flex products; please note we are interested in hearing from people who have used U-Flex products or actually know something factual about them. Please sit on your hands if you don't have any first-hand experience to offer or don't know anything about U-Flex. --jimh]
jimh	posted 11-10-2012 10:01 AM ET (US) Dave--I recommend you download the U-Flex 2012 catalogue in PDF form from their website. Here is the link: http://uflexusa.ultraflexgroup.com/public/File/UFLEX2012_USA.pdf In addition to the hydraulic steering components already mentioned in this discussion, U-Flex also makes an extremely wide variety of mechanical-link engine throttle and shift controls. Some of these controls are very distinctive in their style and design. They have one set of controls that looks like it belongs on the bridge of a modern warship, and, if I were going to re-fit new controls on an engine with mechanically linked controls, I would consider using those controls. They would make a fantastic and unique set up. U-Flex also makes control cables for linking to the engine. I saw a demonstration of the flexibility of the U-Flex control cables, and I was impressed. The cables can be bent into ridiculously small radius bends and still operate smoothly. At this point my impression of U-Flex is only from seeing their products on display, and not from actual use of their products. However, I have to say that the display was the best presentation I have ever seen of hydraulic steering components. U-Flex made a substantial effort to present their products in an impressive manner, and I was impressed. I also speculate that the location of their factory in Florida and close to so many boat builders has helped U-Flex sell their products to boat builders like Boston Whaler. So many boat builders are concentrated in Florida that it makes perfect sense to locate a manufacturing facility there.
Robert V	posted 11-15-2012 10:39 AM ET (US) I have the U-Flex hydraulic steering on my boat. The boat is a 2008 205 Conquest with a Mercury Verado 150 HP. The steering is standard hydraulic, not the power assisted like the larger Verado motors. I have had no problems with the steering system and my only comment is regarding the helm fluid. The fluid used in the system is red, Mercury Power Trim Fluid, versus the usual light amber helm fluid typical of Teleflex systems. It was a little difficult finding information regarding the correct fluid for the system but that was resolved with a call to Boston Whaler Customer Service. The factory manual for the steering system was very vague and did not include information regarding the system fluid. Other than that, which was a small inconvenience, I have been very pleased with the product. Robert
floater88	posted 11-16-2012 07:14 PM ET (US) Great info guys. I'm looking at this system now for my Revenge instead of the Seastar. I've tried twice now to get U-Flex to reply to my questions and no answer! Sure hope they get back to me soon.
John W	posted 11-16-2012 08:46 PM ET (US) I have experience with the U-Flex rotary steering systems (not hydraulic), and they are superior to Teleflex. U-Flex use three gears versus Teleflex which uses two. U-Flex is a better, longer lasting system.
Buckda	posted 11-17-2012 07:15 PM ET (US) Floater88 - I also have requested infomation from U-Flex, as I would like to replace the old hynautics system on my 25' Outrage. I'm waiting to hear back from them as well. It's been only two business days, however. Dave
Buckda	posted 11-26-2012 04:54 PM ET (US) Floater - Heard back from them today. Here is their recommendation for my 25' Outrage with twin engines. I haven't had a chance to price this out yet. quote: Dave, The system I would recommend is as follows: 1- UC128OBF-2 1- UC128OBF-2P 1- UP28 SERIES HELM, tilt, front mount or rear mount. 1- A90X(engine centers) tie bar KITOB STYLE HOSES in even increment sizes for whatever length you need 3- OIL 15 quarts of oil
floater88	posted 11-26-2012 05:23 PM ET (US) Thanks Buckda. I heard from them too. They said my mail went to a trash file:) THey recommended the Protech 1 for my 20 foot Revenge with a single 200 Merc. I'm gonna shop around now and try to find this system up here in Canada. Boat show will be here in Feb so i'm hoping to see them there.
Buckda	posted 11-26-2012 06:04 PM ET (US) FYI - WMJ Marine has the complete UFlex system recommended for under $600. This is without the hoses or oil - so for about $650, you'd get the whole system. Not too bad! It's very competitive with the prices I've seen for a SeaStar system.
Buckda	posted 11-26-2012 06:11 PM ET (US) I may try this system for a project boat I'm working on....
floater88	posted 11-27-2012 06:20 AM ET (US) Thanks for the tip Buckda. That is a good price.
Buckda	posted 11-30-2012 06:56 PM ET (US) Well, I just ordered that dual engine kit from WMJMarine.com. Still on their Website, but no longer available. FYI. Dave
64nauset	posted 12-15-2012 08:21 PM ET (US) Before restoring the Nauset, it was our sailboat that was needing new steering parts. Vessel was in need of a new rotary steering unit. Rack and pinion wouldn't fit, only rotary. Two other Teleflex units fizzled out in a few years. After consulting with a U-Flex engineer, I went with theirs as a replacement. As mentioned in a post above, all parts for rotary steering were interchangeable between Teleflex and U-Flex. I found this to be true. Teleflex mounting plate was retained. System was replaced with both a U-Flex rotary box and cable. The three gear system of the U-Flex seemed like it should be stronger. It was. The Teleflex units lasted about two years on average, and the U-Flex was still going after five years. Boat was sold, so there isn't a failure date on the U-Flex. The reason steering units weren't lasting is that MacGregor undersized the steering. Notwithstanding, the U-Flex held up anyway. I asked why their (U-Flex) unit was a bit more money and the engineer explained that Teleflex virtually gives away their units to the manufacturer in order to get their name on the steering, hoping to get the replacement above other manufacturers if the time comes for repair. Even though at the time the U-Flex was $20 more, it was a wise decision to switch brands. Nice to know U-Flex makes things in this country. Also, they were very helpful on the phone. I'll stick with U-Flex for my future steering needs if possible.