18’ 200 hp which hydraulic steering assembly?

**Upnrunnin** · 08-12-2023, 05:06 PM

Came pretty close to dying a few days ago on my cee bee avenger with dual cable steering and a small diameter steering wheel. I’m looking for input for a hydraulic steering setup that would provide better mechanical advantage than cables and maybe even a dampening effect? I’m aware I can buy something on Amazon but I want the low down from the real world boaters. Short story is I took second hand off wheel to slow down and it went full port and I took a swim. A humiliating horrifying painful swim.

**Glastron1987** · 08-13-2023, 07:45 PM

Wow that must have been scary.

I have the regular Seastar on one boat and the Bay Star on another. Both have been problem-free and low-maintenance for many years.

Both boats go 60mph or less.

Trying a Vevor set on a third boat. So far so good. Quality seems similar to the above, but price was lower and installation instruction were sub-par. Time will tell how they are.

Stay safe.

**LakeFever** · 08-14-2023, 06:52 AM

That torque steer problem can be severe. A torque tab would be a wise install as well. A lot of us run seastar pro it works well, helps the feedback big time it doesnt seem responsive to engine forces only to the helm. Lanthan side steer is a more serious option and favoured by the full tilt crowd. I havent run any of the knock off stuff. Scares me to trust off brand products with my life

**XstreamVking** · 08-14-2023, 07:47 AM

Sea star 2.0 pro helm and 5345 cylinder could be the best option. But as lake said, gotta tune that torque tab and the skeg for torque relief. No system can handle 50#'s of engine tq , and you don't want to fight it all day.

Glad your OK. Got lucky...

**LakeFever** · 08-14-2023, 11:48 AM

When a thread like this comes up i realize how lucky i was with my first stream. With dual cable rack steering the torque steer was so bad my hands would ache after a day on the water. Considering all the paddle wheelln and blowout i had on that rig im lucky i never got put in the drink. I dont miss cable steering one bit lol

**Upnrunnin** · 08-14-2023, 11:31 PM

I appreciate the input guys. I’m not really OK. Both knees got hammered along with my thighs left wrist, and friction burn/ abrasions. I will heal. Getting better every day and like I thought you guys are bringing the knowledge!!! It’s a challenge now to get it right. Wife wants it gone obviously but she wouldn’t respect a yes man!

**DangerNewb** · 08-15-2023, 05:55 AM

Uflex is better than sea star in my book. I've had multiple of both. Uflex has no play in it. Every sea star I've had had some play. Uflex Silversteer.

**XstreamVking** · 08-15-2023, 06:23 AM

Uflex come with an upgraded ARP steering bolt?

**DangerNewb** · 08-15-2023, 06:55 AM

Originally Posted by XstreamVking

Uflex come with an upgraded ARP steering bolt?

https://www.ultraflex.it/product/uc1...ount-cylinder/

Says "high resistance stainless steel connection bolt (ultrabolt)" . Not sure if it's arp, but I replace mine annually anyhow. That's the cylinder I use, high performance HD lines and the svs hipo helm.

**Carter Powell** · 09-10-2023, 05:31 PM

I think one of the most important things that should be done FIRST is to get a torque tab on that skeg. Here is how I would do it. Get a rivit on torque tab, clamp it firmly and drill your five holes thru the skeg. Now mix up some epoxy/JB weld and get enough in between the tab and the skeg to help hold it in place. Get rid of the excess. If you want to be real slick reduce the leading edge of the tab first so in blends in better with the flow of the skeg. You can always us some epoxy filler at the leading edge to make it smother. Now repaint if you want it to be really nice. This will get rid of almost all of your torque steer issues. NOW, get a good hydraulic steering system and you won't have these problems anymore.

**Upnrunnin** · 09-10-2023, 11:37 PM

Originally Posted by Carter Powell

I think one of the most important things that should be done FIRST is to get a torque tab on that skeg. Here is how I would do it. Get a rivit on torque tab, clamp it firmly and drill your five holes thru the skeg. Now mix up some epoxy/JB weld and get enough in between the tab and the skeg to help hold it in place. Get rid of the excess. If you want to be real slick reduce the leading edge of the tab first so in blends in better with the flow of the skeg. You can always us some epoxy filler at the leading edge to make it smother. Now repaint if you want it to be really nice. This will get rid of almost all of your torque steer issues. NOW, get a good hydraulic steering system and you won't have these problems anymore.

Thank you I will look into it. If you could share a pic of what it looks done right that would help

**Carter Powell** · 09-11-2023, 09:00 AM

I will take a picture and get it posted for you. Carter

**Upnrunnin** · 09-13-2023, 10:31 AM

Originally Posted by Carter Powell

I will take a picture and get it posted for you. Carter

Thank you much appreciated

**VkingMike** · 09-13-2023, 10:39 AM

Not close to you, but they ship everywhere and fast. I purchased my seatsar pro form these guys and they will makes pro lines cut to fit with your order.

https://www.boatsteer.com/

**skialot2** · 09-19-2023, 11:21 PM

Use a name brand steering system. DO NOT USE VEVOR!!! I bought a Vevor in June. It did not work out of the box. Very crunchy feeling and no steering when turning slowly. I am still trying to get them to honor the warranty.