Dual cable vs hydraulic

**STELLIX** · 03-20-2017, 08:43 PM

I'm getting close to finishing up my Hydrostream Vector. I have a dual cable steering setup now but I was thinking about a hydraulic. I noticed that they have a Baystar kit for around $500 and about double that for the Seastar. I'm only going to be running a 2.5 liter 150hp on this boat, would the Baystar work or should I just keep the dual cable system that I already have?

**phillnjack** · 03-20-2017, 09:08 PM

DO NOT GO FOR BAYSTAR

its cheap crap with crap seals, its absolutely dangerous, and has been the killer of a few people.
None of the cheap stuff is worth even thinking about.
and no it NOT made in the usa, its far eastern Chinese crap with a sticker on it.
The seastar might look the same to some people but its totally different quality.

get a good used one in preference to cheap nasty dangerous crap, then go to a hydraulics shop and buy new seals and hoses.

been far too many people killed with the cheapo stuff, the seals on the cheap crap are just waiting to go bad, and when they do the
boat turns faster than you could turn a tiller motor.

just my opinion after looking into how a few people over here got killed in brand new boats with cheap hydraulic steering.
It has happened a lot world wide.

never skimp on the steering, especially with hydraulic stuff.

**outasite** · 03-20-2017, 09:14 PM

Are your cables opposed,or same side? If your lucky enough that they are opposed,and they are in good condition,just spend a little time to get them adjusted properly and keep em.JMO

**STELLIX** · 03-20-2017, 09:16 PM

I've always felt safe with a dual cable system, how do you feel they compare to the Seastar ?

**outasite** · 03-20-2017, 10:04 PM

Originally Posted by STELLIX

I've always felt safe with a dual cable system, how do you feel they compare to the Seastar ?

Don't know! To old,and to cheap to find out

**STELLIX** · 03-20-2017, 10:10 PM

Mine are on the same side , parallel to each other

**powerabout** · 03-20-2017, 10:48 PM

How about add electric assist column?
Get to keep real feel without the load
Guys are using it in tunnel boats from sst45 to f1
Ps and solid mounts

**boatman14544** · 03-21-2017, 11:45 AM

I love the seastar on my twin inline set-up. Twin inline 1350s on a 17 Switzer. No torque and the wheel doesn't try to spin out of my hands.

**outasite** · 03-21-2017, 02:24 PM

Originally Posted by STELLIX

Mine are on the same side , parallel to each other

You still have the safety of two cables,that's good. The down side is in order to preload the pinion, one cable is in tension and the other is in compression,VS opposed, where both are in tension witch makes for a smoother and slightly more ridged setup.I guess the hydraulic is the way to go.I just grew up with the dual ride guide and its never failed me.And to spend north of eight bones to try,just not in the cards for me.

**coffeeguy** · 03-21-2017, 03:45 PM

Can a parallel setup be changed to a opposite set-up?
But keep the steering helm and one of the 2 cables and just get a longer one(boat is offset not center steer).

**phillnjack** · 03-21-2017, 04:04 PM

SEASTAR IS PERFECT. THAT IS QUALITY STUFF,

its the baystar cheap crap thats bad.

there is a very good reason that it is so much more expensive, its made better.

those two old mercs sitting side by side keeping each other company look very nice, something about those old inlines.

**rock** · 03-21-2017, 04:27 PM

Going from dual to hydraulic is an upgrade that will make you glad you spent the money. When I first put it on my Allison I thought I ruined my boat but the more I drive it the better I like it. No real feedback and it takes a few trips to get used to the different feel. I have had dual parallel and opposed, string, and hydraulic. My favorite is string but only in a race boat and next is definitely hydraulic. It is kinda pricey but if it's in the budget you will never look back.

Rock

**outasite** · 03-21-2017, 09:47 PM

Originally Posted by coffeeguy

Can a parallel setup be changed to a opposite set-up?
But keep the steering helm and one of the 2 cables and just get a longer one(boat is offset not center steer).

It can be done,but it's not going to be cost effective.You would need one new cable that is NLA and a opposed attachment kit for the engine.

**PaulR** · 03-22-2017, 09:13 AM

Opposed is much safer than the cables being on the same side. With dual or single cable you only have ONE bolt holding the steering arm to the mid, if it snaps you have no steering...I know, it happened to me and I got chucked out of the boat. With the opposed attachment kit on the engine you would have to have THREE bolts all fail at the same time to completely loose your steering, very unlikely. I don't know what hydraulic steering feels like in a small v-bottom but in my STV I can let go of the wheel at 80mph!

**Magcat 62** · 03-22-2017, 11:21 AM

keep your dual set up and #8 tiller bolt! i bought my s star a piece at a time on e bay found a new pro helm 350 cylinder good used 225 the fluid is the biggest rip-off of all i had serious torque issues jacked up high only reason went hydraulic my right shoulder was hurtin holdin that sucker straight my family cc has sea str its a dream to steer at 40 mph. sorry left shoulder!