What length hoses for seastar hydraulic on a hydrostream v-king?

**LakeFever** · 08-07-2019, 08:56 PM

What length hoses are needed for a seastar pro on a vking?

**MattGreen** · 08-12-2019, 02:11 AM

Originally Posted by LakeFever

What length hoses are needed for a seastar pro on a vking?

Teleflex has measurement advice on their website/in the installation manual.

Matt

**LakeFever** · 08-12-2019, 05:00 AM

The boat was hundreds of miles away from me when I posted this and I wanted to order so the steering would be shipped by the time I reached the boat. I’m back with the boat now so I’ll measure myself. Thought this would have been easy info to find but no luck with a search and no one here seems to know to my surprise. I’ll post up what length I end up running

**SS Minnow** · 08-12-2019, 06:02 AM

Length will depend on how you run the lines. I have seen many different ways on the same style boat. Kind of the nature of custom builds.

**LakeFever** · 08-12-2019, 08:36 AM

Makes sense I was going to err on caution and order 18' and leave the extra lopped up under the deck. Figured a few folks would say "I run x feet" and so on and I could guesstimate from there is all I was after. Not to worry I will measure and post up what I used when I have some time

**LakeFever** · 08-13-2019, 09:16 PM

I did the recommended measuring and came up with 15’ and the instructions said to add two feet to that. I’m sure I could squeeze 16’ in there but I ordered 18’ to be sure. Seastar pro with Kevlar hoses. No power assist, thats not an issue is it?

**TraceF3** · 08-14-2019, 07:42 AM

Originally Posted by LakeFever

I did the recommended measuring and came up with 15’ and the instructions said to add two feet to that. I’m sure I could squeeze 16’ in there but I ordered 18’ to be sure. Seastar pro with Kevlar hoses. No power assist, thats not an issue is it?

No. All the hose ends are the same

**rjdubiel** · 08-14-2019, 08:09 AM

I am going to install 14 footers in my Vking soon, BUT..... I think they will fit but not 100% sure yet. It all depends on if your side steer or center, how you run the lines, port or starbord, and how do you get back out of the boat to the ram, and where are the elbows on the ram are pointed. Lots of variables that you need to figure out.

**TraceF3** · 08-14-2019, 08:14 AM

Originally Posted by rjdubiel

I am going to install 14 footers in my Vking soon, BUT..... I think they will fit but not 100% sure yet. It all depends on if your side steer or center, how you run the lines, port or starbord, and how do you get back out of the boat to the ram, and where are the elbows on the ram are pointed. Lots of variables that you need to figure out.

Most common way is thru-hull fittings. The hoses connect inside the hull, then fancy short hoses (usually braided SS) go from the ram to the fittings on the outside of the hull.

**rjdubiel** · 08-14-2019, 08:25 AM

TraceF3, that is the plan if 14' are not long enough. Just buy the 2-3' hoses and thru hull fitting.

**LakeFever** · 08-14-2019, 08:26 AM

Originally Posted by TraceF3

Most common way is thru-hull fittings. The hoses connect inside the hull, then fancy short hoses (usually braided SS) go from the ram to the fittings on the outside of the hull.

Hmmm did I make a mistake ordering the 18's? First Ive heard of this. Anyone got pics?

Also during the seastar information guide they recommended a power steering pump does anyone run the electric power assist?

**rjdubiel** · 08-14-2019, 08:30 AM

Originally Posted by LakeFever

Hmmm did I make a mistake ordering the 18's? First Ive heard of this. Anyone got pics?

Also during the seastar information guide they recommended a power steering pump does anyone run the electric power assist?

NO! to each their own. your 18' will work without a doubt. Try to fill the hoses with fluid and then connect to the helm and ram. I think that helps ease the bleeding process. When you bleed the lines make sure there are not loops in the hoses. once done and all installed you can coil the extra hose if needed under the splashwell. It will work and with 18' you got plenty of room to run anyway you like. If they are really too long and your running side steer, run them down the port side to take up the extra hose.

**LakeFever** · 08-14-2019, 08:35 AM

Thanks. I didnt think i wanted the power assist if for no other reason than simplicity. The less parts involved the safer it will function.

As for bleeding? Ya I have some experience with difficult hydraulics I have a clutch on a car that is a MAJOR pita. I have to use a power bleeder to get it bled and I was hoping to use it on the steering if I can get it hooked up. Whatever I do I will be certain to get the system 100% bled and I will post up what worked out for me.

**JPEROG** · 08-14-2019, 11:19 AM

The power assist are really nice. I have had no issues with mine and most likely won't have another boat without one.

Joe

**LakeFever** · 08-14-2019, 11:48 AM

My Valero had a twin rack teleflex and I liked it, until speed then it was the tightest hardest thing to steer I have ever driven. This boat came with a dual cable Quicksilver rotary which I have adjusted but it is wayyyy too sloppy for my liking hence the shift to hydraulic. Hopefully this thing handles well with this as, it literally cannot be worse than my Valero was, im 260lbs too so I aint kidding when I say tight. I can handle some effort but shoulders over wheel both arms gripping white knuckles? Nope. If thats how this is I will add the power assist. I hope its okay as is though, I already dont want to mess with it further and just run it!