Hydraulic Steering Tech Support Discussion

Bud Kennedy · October 05, 2020, 07:21:29 PM

Since I have been planning to moving to hydraulic steering, I have been asking a few questions not only here but a few other places and was really getting a wide variety of inputs from many people. The basic answer for a bass boat running a motor of 150HP or bigger remains the same. The correct answer for the product is the Seastar Pro model HK7500A-3 series. Now based on some feedback I have been told that the seastar pro requires a bit more steering pressure to turn the wheel. It turns out this is absolutely true. In fact the Seastar pro listed above requires 25% more power to turn the wheel. I had a long chat wth their tech support folks and they advised me that they do have a pro series unit available that does require less effort to turn the wheel. They have provided these part numbers to me should I want to order a pro series that does not take as much effort to turn the wheel. Follow are the part number they provided:

Helm Unit P/N HH5779-3

Ram Unit P/N HC6345-3

Hoses P/N HO57XX (length of hose for the XX number)

Steering Fluid P/N HA5430 (2 qt needed)

Be advised the bleed kit comes with this unit.

Tech support was firm to say that under no circumstances do they recommend anything less that a pro series unit for a Bass Boat by stating that any boat subject to chine walk or rough water demands the pro series.

Although this was a long phone call, we did not at any time discuss prices as this is not the function of tech support. Another hint provided for selecting the hoses was to perform an actual measurement of the existing cables that are currently in use for your steering system. Then add two Ft. to that measurement and that will determine the correct hose length and provide the required length for the bends of the hose.

So there you have it as a report from my long call with Seastar Solutions located in British Columbia and the technicians name was Evan. He was very professional and answered any question I had. All in all it was a very productive and pleasant phone call.

Princeton_Man · October 05, 2020, 07:47:14 PM

25% more effort than what Bud? My Seastar Pro steers easier than any cable steer I've ever driven. I believe the other Seastar helm unit you speak of is a larger diameter unit. You should measure carefully to make sure it will fit.

There is also a power assist pump available that functions the same as a car's power steering. Hardly necessary on a 150.

Bud Kennedy · October 05, 2020, 07:56:10 PM

The 25% is a reference to other seastar/baystar products that are not in the pro series.

Jim, Don't shoot the messenger on this. I am just saying this is what was explained to me from Seastar tech support.

Princeton_Man · October 05, 2020, 08:00:19 PM

Quote from: Bud Kennedy on October 05, 2020, 07:56:10 PM
The 25% is a reference to other seastar/baystar products that are not in the pro series.

Jim, Don't shoot the messenger on this. I am just saying this is what was explained to me from Seastar tech support.

Not shooting anyone Bud.

A really nice feature that SeaStar has is their SeaStar Pro with tilt.

Bud Kennedy · October 05, 2020, 08:04:00 PM

Quote from: Princeton_Man on October 05, 2020, 07:47:14 PM
25% more effort than what Bud? My Seastar Pro steers easier than any cable steer I've ever driven. I believe the other Seastar helm unit you speak of is a larger diameter unit. You should measure carefully to make sure it will fit.

There is also a power assist pump available that functions the same as a car's power steering. Hardly necessary on a 150.

Jim I asked that exact question and they say the helm unit is exactly the same size. I did not ask about the ram unit

Mike Cork · October 12, 2020, 11:59:08 AM

I'm with P_M on the 25% more... You're used to cable steering and I assume that steering is causing some extra stiffness from needing lubricated or attended too in one way or another... Switching from cable steering to hydraulic steering (even in it's basic form) is going to be night and day for you.

As far as chine walk? Your ranger with a 150 might be on the edge of dancing, but how often are you out there pushing her to the absolute limit?

I'm running a 250 and the only time my steering gets tight is when I am over trimmed trying to out run the competition by a half a boat length on a 15 mile run. At that point it's only hard to turn against the torque. The wheel doesn't move on it's own or with the torque.

Now that I've got all concerned about they trying to sell you something that might cost more, I realize you are just putting some good information out there for everyone to take in. Thank You, makes me want to look into my system a little more

Bud Kennedy · October 12, 2020, 01:21:14 PM

The discussions with Sea Star have continued by the way. It turns out you still can get cable steering it just isn't a stock item via the distribution network. These are now considered special order and they will build anything you want. They do however advise with those of us with vintage boats we should also replace the helm system just to be on the safe side. I found that very interesting since this is less than half the cost of hydraulic and just might be a reasonable alternative solution for my particular situation. For me that is good news and worth considering. Currently I don't have a problem so I am good with what I have although I do sense some slight tightening that I will take care of by performing cable maintenance.

Mike Cork · October 12, 2020, 02:28:12 PM

I'm not going to lie, I'd never go back to cable steering. But I believe that cable steering is just fine as well for anything under 150. Curious what was your service life of the current cable system?

merc1997 · October 12, 2020, 04:01:21 PM

bud

i have one of the very first sea star units made and it is only currently rated for up to a 150. my 200 can be turned with one finger at any speed. it has been on my boat for a long long time. i did have to put a seal kit in the piece on the motor. very simple operation to do, and that is all that i've ever done to it. i think i can without question state that i fish more hours than most guides. so, i would think my unit is well tested.

bo

Bud Kennedy · October 12, 2020, 04:15:50 PM

No doubt whatsoever that hydraulic is what I want. My deal is that I am such a tightwad it is just hard to part with the money. My current steering is fine but if it wasn't.......I would be doing a Seastar Pro for sure. I guess I am feeling the pain of rehabbing the boat followed by the house remodel.

Princeton_Man · October 12, 2020, 05:51:09 PM

Quote from: Bud Kennedy on October 12, 2020, 04:15:50 PM
No doubt whatsoever that hydraulic is what I want. My deal is that I am such a tightwad it is just hard to part with the money. My current steering is fine but if it wasn't.......I would be doing a Seastar Pro for sure. I guess I am feeling the pain of rehabbing the boat followed by the house remodel.

The sooner you get it, the more time you'll have to enjoy it, Bud.

BassmanRudy · October 13, 2020, 06:33:30 PM

Do it Bud!!

Really nice to hear about the great customer service call! See if your local dealers/shops have a boat set up for you to try sitting in the lot and ask them some of the questions you may not have asked the SeaStar guy.

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caddyjoe77 · November 03, 2020, 10:39:27 AM

enjoy the fruits of your labor and buy it