CONTINUOUSWAVE

QUALIFIED QUESTION--ONLY FOR THOSE WHO HAVE INSTALLED A SEASTAR HYDRAULIC STEERING KIT or CHANGED THE LENGTH OF A BAYSTAR HYDRAULIC STEERING KIT on a DAUNTLESS 16:

Q1: do you agree with my choice of 16-foot lines?

BACKSTORY
I am currently installing hydraulic steering on my 1999 Dauntless 16. I have to use the Seastar kit with non-adjustable hydraulic line lengths. I recently installed a new Mercury 115-HP CT (Command Thrust) engine, and the Baystar steering cylinder is not compatible with that engine. The lines for the SEASTAR hydraulic steering kit are available in two-foot increments. My GUESS is the 16-foot hydraulic lines would be of sufficient length and avoid any sharp bends.

I did this job on my 2003 160 Dauntless, it's a great upgrade. Full details at https://continuouswave.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3456. The kit I bought had 20-foot-long hoses. I know you're thinking "how could I need more than 16-feet of hose for a 16-foot boat?" but my recollection is that I didn't trim a whole lot off. And four feet seems like a lot. So I'd say you might well get caught short buying 16-feet of hose.

If you can't trim the SeaStar hose, then run a garden hose or something through the rigging tunnel and measure the exact length needed. Remember that you'll probably have a 270-degree-loop at the engine.

-Bob

Hi Bob

I’ve seen your write up. It was a big motivator for me. Tthanks for taking the time to do it.

Also, thanks for your response to my question.

I had the Baystar lines installed before realizing that I needed a different kit. From memory it seemed to have a good bit of extra tubing length. I have a set of 20-feet SeaStar lines; I’ll pull one and check the fit.

I’ll post my conclusion.