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UFLEX Steering Products

Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2023 4:10 pm
by Masbama
Give me comments about UFLEX steering systems based on experience with their products.

BACKSTORY:

I have a 2003 190 Nantucket powered by a 2016 Suzuki DF140. It has mechanical cable steering with a tilt helm steering wheel. I am considering a new steering system, either mechanical or hydraulic. My options are UFLEX Fourtech (mechanical), UFLEX Protech (hydraulic) or Dometic Seastar (hydraulic).

I am familiar with Dometic steering products but not as familiar with UFLEX.

Re: UFLEX Steering Products

Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2023 7:29 pm
by Phil T

Re: UFLEX Steering Products

Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2023 8:59 pm
by Masbama
Phil:
Nothing wrong at all! Thanks.
I am leaning towards hydraulic because if I decide to keep this boat I will want to re-power with A 150hp. engine and conventional wisdom says to go with a hydraulic steering system for that horsepower.

Re: UFLEX Steering Products

Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2023 6:50 am
by jimh
I don't have any real-world experience with UFLEX steering. Many years ago (maybe c.2008) I went to a dealer-only show that was put on by a big distribution company in the midwest. Many marine manufacturers were exhibiting there, much like a boat show, but in this case the people at the show were all marine dealers. There were no boat builders or engine builders at the show, but manufacturers who made boat accessories, like electronics, steering, trailers, and so on.

UFLEX was exhibiting at that show. It was the first time I had seen their products. They looked very well engineered.

I think Brunswick used UFLEX for the OEM for steering with the VERADO.

DOMETIC or SEASTAR or what then was known as TELEFLEX seemed to be much more popular for hydraulic steering at that time with boaters.

At the 150-HP level the BAYSTAR model hydraulic steering is a less expensive option--if that product is still being made.

You should choose hydraulic steering in preference to mechanical cable steering.

Re: UFLEX Steering Products

Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2023 11:33 am
by Jefecinco
Our previous 190 Montauk with a 135HP Verado came equipped with Uflex hydraulic steering. It was a fine system. During our ten year ownership the steering hydraulic ram end cap seals failed twice. I replaced them both time and it was an easy mechanical task. Bleeding the hydraulics took longer than changing the end caps. Uflex has replacement end caps for sale but does not sell the rather simple O-rings. The later versions of the systems uses hex shaped end caps making the task far less onerous. I recommend getting a replacement set of end caps when you install the system if Uflex is your choice.

There is nothing wrong with Dometic systems. Their systems also suffer from leaks. My impression from reading other boating forums is that Uflex has a slight edge in reliability. It is worth noting that Uflex was the Boston Whaler OEM for hydraulic steering.

Re: UFLEX Steering Products

Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2023 11:49 pm
by Masbama
Thanks to all for your insights!
When the time comes I will probably go with the UFLEX Protech.