Hydraulic Steering - - - How big to go? SMALL boat

[WillySteve]

I've really found no CHEAP place to buy a complete system!
I bought mine in pieces...ie: Helm, Hoses and Cyl at 3 different places and had about $800 total but Hoses and Helm were from individuals, and the Pro Cyl you'll for sure have to buy new if you go that route. There's just no used ones on the market cuz everyone keeps'em and they've even got higher since I paid 400 for mine!!

[flabum1017]

I have always used copper tubing from the helm to the transom then short hoses from transom to the cylinder. AC tubing is rated at like 3000 PSI and no expansion flex. And a hell of a lot cheaper that 20' of kevlar hose.

[WillySteve]

I have always used copper tubing from the helm to the transom then short hoses from transom to the cylinder. AC tubing is rated at like 3000 PSI and no expansion flex. And a hell of a lot cheaper that 20' of kevlar hose.

Great Idea......just make sure to put at least a 1/2 round circle at the ends of the copper to keep'em from work hardening and cracking at 90mph!!!!
I learned that lesson about 50 years ago on a '57 Chebby oil pressure line

[flabum1017]

Great Idea......just make sure to put at least a 1/2 round circle at the ends of the copper to keep'em from work hardening and cracking at 90mph!!!!
I learned that lesson about 50 years ago on a '57 Chebby oil pressure line

Nothing like hot oil pissing all over your windshield.

[FUJIMO]

So...is it the consensus here, that there is increased steering torque, with higher installed engines, than with lower? Just curious. (I disagree)

[powerabout]

Depends on prop and trim angle
Imho if the hull suits cable n pulley then thats what i would gave and if you dont like the torque, if any use and electric assist on the shaft.
A few sst45 guys are going this way.

[flabum1017]

So...is it the consensus here, that there is increased steering torque, with higher installed engines, than with lower? Just curious. (I disagree)

With higher engine, torque fin is out of the water. If no torque tab on skeg, yes more torque on steering on higher mounted engine.

[Mr. Demeanor]

Yes the higher the prop the more torque. My boat had single cable steering when I bought it and going up made it harder and harder to hold the wheel.

[WillySteve]

Just consider that the prop is only 1/2 under water and acting like a 5000rpm paddle wheel constantly slappin'da water to one side!
The more it's submerged, the more it's being counteracted by the water above centerline!

[catfish2race]

high speed//best steering..

[XstreamVking]

If your boat wants to go left when operating normally, then you have your skeg mounted torque tab the correct size and shape. When going wot it will steer straight w/o a lot of torque steer. Just the way I set mine up....

[FUJIMO]

If your boat wants to go left when operating normally, then you have your skeg mounted torque tab the correct size and shape. When going wot it will steer straight w/o a lot of torque steer. Just the way I set mine up....

Yup. Higher install, use a torque tab. Higher the install, the larger the skeg needs to be. Ala Speedmaster. Its your only touch with reality. Multi engine install, things are a bit different.

[Krazymaan]

Just consider that the prop is only 1/2 under water and acting like a 5000rpm paddle wheel constantly slappin'da water to one side!
The more it's submerged, the more it's being counteracted by the water above centerline!

That was a great analogy there. One of my boats feel like your trying to hold a one thousand pound weigh over the side of a tall building while trying to walking forward. Its insane.

[powerabout]

That was a great analogy there. One of my boats feel like your trying to hold a one thousand pound weigh over the side of a tall building while trying to walking forward. Its insane.

duo props for surfacing is the answer...deuce high anyone?