Single outboard steering options

**WavetoWave** · 10-28-2019, 10:31 AM

I'll ask the guys at SeaStar / Dometic. The Bay Star is strong it just is sloppy, doesn't have the same cylinder lock valves, and upgraded lines and fittings as the Pro and Tournament. They market the Pro and Tournament for high speed applications at elevated transom heights.

"APPLICATIONS
Seastar Pro is for high-performance boats with single non-power-assisted outboards up to 350 HP, especially those capable of speeds over 65 MPH, which demand maximum steering control and comfort. It is suitable for use with high-performance propellors and jack plates"

**2.5-21** · 10-28-2019, 10:37 AM

I dont doubt the cylinders improve and work awesome as they increase in sizing and different valving. But they all have the same thing in common:

**WavetoWave** · 10-28-2019, 10:59 AM

Originally Posted by 2.5-21

I dont doubt the cylinders improve and work awesome as they increase in sizing and different valving. But they all have the same thing in common:

Ya, it's true. I think anytime there is one point of failure in anything, it's nice to have a fail safe of some kind. That's why I like the idea of more a system like the Evinrude G2, it can have a fail safe, and it doesn't rely on one piece.

For front mount I believe the torque is transitioned through the whole system, so it would be interesting to measure the torque on the tiller arm itself.

**RSWORDS** · 10-28-2019, 02:23 PM

I'd rather have a good tight bolt I can inspect then a relay/fuse that can dicide it wants to check out for no reason.

The seastar optimus stuff is VERY nice
I've installed/worked on some of the electric over hydraulic systems and am installing the optimus 360 with (hopefully) electric cylinders on a repower this winter.

It has many perks for multi engine installs, such as speed adjustable toe, no mechanical tiebar to deal with, and absolutely no feedback. On a single you give away a bit of that. It does have a slight delay also.

I personally am not sure I'd want it on a single engine boat capable of the speeds that most on this site see. It's a good system, but electrical is electrical and a failure at speed is going to make you wet before you know it.

Plus. It ain't cheap.

And I've seen enough failed baystar hoses to never put that on anything.

Randy already said it. How many people have broken a properly torqued bolt?

**WavetoWave** · 10-28-2019, 02:55 PM

Originally Posted by RSWORDS

I'd rather have a good tight bolt I can inspect then a relay/fuse that can dicide it wants to check out for no reason.

The seastar optimus stuff is VERY nice
I've installed/worked on some of the electric over hydraulic systems and am installing the optimus 360 with (hopefully) electric cylinders on a repower this winter.

It has many perks for multi engine installs, such as speed adjustable toe, to mechanical tiebar to deal with, and absolutely no feedback. On a single you give away a bit of that. It does have a slight delay also.

I personally am not sure I'd want it on a single engine boat capable of the speeds that most on this site see. It's a good system, but electrical is electrical and a failure at speed is going to make you wet before you know it.

Plus. It ain't cheap.

And I've seen enough failed baystar hoses to never put that on anything.

Randy already said it. How many people have broken a properly torqued bolt?

Agreed. But the benefit of the Optimus electric is that if it failed, it wouldn't violently turn, it would stay in position, which most of the time would be safer. It is interesting stuff for sure.

**RSWORDS** · 10-28-2019, 03:14 PM

Originally Posted by WavetoWave

Agreed. But the benefit of the Optimus electric is that if it failed, it wouldn't violently turn, it would stay in position, which most of the time would be safer. It is interesting stuff for sure.

True. But if running "on the pad" it's still going to be an interesting ride down to idle. Lol either way is going to suck, alot. Lol

**WavetoWave** · 10-28-2019, 03:17 PM

Originally Posted by RSWORDS

True. But if running "on the pad" it's still going to be an interesting ride down to idle. Lol either way is going to suck, alot. Lol

Yup, I'll take locked straight over violent right though, and take my chances.

**RSWORDS** · 10-28-2019, 03:41 PM

I do think that the coolest part of the optimus is being able to set an Ackerman angle on cats and other boats with motors spread far apart. Its definitely the future