Page 1 of 1
1970 Sakonnet Hydraulic Steering
Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2020 5:08 pm
by 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?
Re: 1970 Sakonnet Hydraulic Steering
Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2020 5:20 pm
by 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.
Re: 1970 Sakonnet Hydraulic Steering
Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2020 5:37 pm
by 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.
Re: 1970 Sakonnet Hydraulic Steering
Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2020 7:03 pm
by 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.
Re: 1970 Sakonnet Hydraulic Steering
Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2020 9:20 am
by 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.