Single outboard steering options

**KingOfBeers** · 10-23-2019, 08:46 PM

Wingplate and a single unbalanced cylinder VS a run of the mill Seastar balanced cylinder with power assist. Can we discuss the pros and cons of each? I currently have a Seastar system with the power assist on a 300R mounted to a 21' Liberator. The thing that led me to this is the single tiller bolt on the Seastar system. Im also having some issues with the steering binding after coming out of a right hand turn and directly into a left hand turn while on the throttle. Ive got just over 100 hrs on the whole system. Its time to go through it thoroughly and see what is worn out. It just doesnt give me the warm fuzzy feeling Id like to have while running hard.

Questions I have:

Is single side mounted cylinder going to be a slower steering?

Are there power assist units compatible with a side mount cylinder?

Am I being paranoid over the single tiller bolt?

**powerabout** · 10-23-2019, 09:18 PM

when things are pivoting its difficult to avoid a single pivot/bolt less you use twin rams

**2.5-21** · 10-23-2019, 09:35 PM

Single tiller bolt is always in the front of your mind when on the throttle, I know some of the skater guys use the Verado power steering pumps with the side mount steering, Not sure what helm they use I am sure someone will chime in on that......
The Sea Star systems are only capable of 1000 PSI or 1500 PSI depending on what helm you have.
If you are surfacing a 30 plus inch prop I can imagine you would get some resistance.

**KingOfBeers** · 10-23-2019, 09:45 PM

Im generally surfacing a 32-34p props. Ive got zero complaints about the system im using other than the recent binding issue and the thought of the single tiller bolt holding it all together..

**tnelsmn** · 10-23-2019, 09:54 PM

I have no experience in this, just an observation.

But isn't a single bolt holding either side of the ram on a wing plate set up anyway? Why is that set up considered superior to a single bolt on a tiller?

**powerabout** · 10-23-2019, 10:02 PM

2 1/2 bolts versus one 3/8....

**Duro78** · 10-24-2019, 12:11 AM

Even after upgrading to an arp bolt all the force that one bolt had to endure always haunted me. The few grand spent on side arm was worth the piece of mind alone. Better looking setup and not being able to physically turn the motor anymore was the gravy

**WILDMAN** · 10-24-2019, 01:18 AM

As long as Seastar has had the front mount ram, Don't you think after any failures if it was their systems fault, they would have changed it. I believe that the only way the front mount bolt will fail, is if it loosens up . That will not happen if the lock nut is used and tightened properly.

**JPEROG** · 10-24-2019, 08:42 AM

I have two boats set up with single side rams, seastar helms, and power assist. No issues up to this point. One is on an STV 300X that I run 30-37 pitch propellers on, the other is on an Allison 300XS-lots of hours and lots of run time. From the pump to the rear I run #6 braided stainless aeroquip line "behind the pump is where all of the torque load is at"-from the helm to the pump I run the seastar hoses. This would be my recommendation for every fast boat "It does not offer the (seat of the pants feedback) like a duel cable or front mount w/o assist", so if you don't know your boats handling characteristics well and rely on wheel feedback to run it-that factor no longer exist.

Joe

**WavetoWave** · 10-27-2019, 11:15 PM

I can see the assurance of having the side mount. I use a Tournament Series and it's a little beefier than a Pro in some ways, but has the same single bolt. But, like Wildman said, there aren't any known failure issues, it's not coming loose if installed correctly. The lines and connections are probably a weaker link. I've seen SeaStar front mounts in service for 20 years with zero problems though.

Seastar has a fully electric actuator for outboards, Optimus, that uses a proprietary worm gear and is fully electric. The actuator should have zero play, and be really safe, but I'm not sure if there is a lag from the helm as some electronic systems can have a lag. Seems really promising. But, the Evinrude G2 built in system is the most superior system in my opinion.

Optimus
https://www.tradeonlytoday.com/tech/...ring-actuators

Tournament

**powerabout** · 10-27-2019, 11:37 PM

I can see all boats with all electric soon including race boats.
How does the price compare with the seastar?

**WavetoWave** · 10-28-2019, 08:01 AM

I was told the price will be competitive with hydraulic systems. But I can't find a MSRP for it.

**2.5-21** · 10-28-2019, 10:02 AM

Back to original question:
This is straight from Sea Star....

CAUTION: Not recommended for use in installations where;
a) Chopper, cleaver or surface piercing propellers are used,
b) The engine is highly elevated on the transom,
c)Engine trim tabs have been removed,
d)The boat speed exceeds 75 mph (120 km/h), or
e)The power exceeds the maximum Coast Guard or M.O.T. recommendations for the boat.

**WavetoWave** · 10-28-2019, 10:07 AM

Originally Posted by 2.5-21

Back to original question:
This is straight from Sea Star....

CAUTION: Not recommended for use in installations where;
a) Chopper, cleaver or surface piercing propellers are used,
b) The engine is highly elevated on the transom,
c)Engine trim tabs have been removed,
d)The boat speed exceeds 75 mph (120 km/h), or
e)The power exceeds the maximum Coast Guard or M.O.T. recommendations for the boat.

For which system is that regarding? The Pro and Tournament are for high performance applications. But a side mount is the most robust, no question.

Tournament
"Extreme heavy duty cylinders and tiebars designed for primarily high performance multiple engine applications. Also available for single engine applications"

**2.5-21** · 10-28-2019, 10:12 AM

Originally Posted by WavetoWave

For which system is that regarding? The Pro and Tournament are for high performance applications. But a side mount is the most robust, no question.

Tournament
"Extreme heavy duty cylinders and tiebars designed for primarily high performance multiple engine applications. Also available for single engine applications"

That may be true but not to exceed above paragraph, The cylinder uses the same pivot bolt from a Baystar sytem all the way up to pro and tournament cylinder. You speak to a rep from the company and they will agree.
It is being done every day but I know first hand they have had fatal failures.