18’ 200 hp which hydraulic steering assembly?

[r.c.]

I run a sea star and I have been pleased with it. The manufacturer recommends purging the system every year.No torque tab no anode tab, don't need it even with big ear props. I would probably get the hyd. system before drilling the skeg, just a thought but thats just me. A torque tab is the cheaper way to go.

[4Speed]

I have a sea star in my STV Euro with a 225 and sportmaster lower with the swept skeg. No issues since new in 2010 other than replacing the shaft seals. Agree with comment about frequent purging, I look at purging as a safety precaution. I have a bubble Purge system and to purge the entire system takes less than 1 hour. If you aren't familiar with the Bubble Purge there are some You Tube videos on it.

outboardst.com

[Carter Powell]

I still stand by my statement to install a torque tab FIRST because even with a hydraulic steering system you STILL have a tremendous amount of torque being applied to the lower unit of the motor. The tab takes most of that torque out of the system. Should something go wrong with the system that torque tab may help keep you safe.

Carter Powell

[staylor]

X2 on Carter's post- if you can't safely steer it you're asking for trouble. I usually play with the tab length for my 150's, the only time I've used the tab full length was on an old 225 Evinrude. I test the tab for length by putting it on with 2-3 rivets only until I've got the length right so I get near zero felt wheel torque at top end and best trim. Then I put all the rivets in after using J-B weld epoxy. Just because the hydraulic steering takes out a lot of the felt torque doesn't make the rig safe. I recall letting my Dad try driving an 18 ft Baja w/175-and manual steering. Dad had never driven anything that went above 35 mph and I warned him to watch out for steering wheel feedback. Of course he didn't do this- punched the throttle and the wheel was yanked out of his hands. Lucky for me I could reach across and grab the wheel before we barrel rolled.....better safe than sorry.
Doug

I still stand by my statement to install a torque tab FIRST because even with a hydraulic steering system you STILL have a tremendous amount of torque being applied to the lower unit of the motor. The tab takes most of that torque out of the system. Should something go wrong with the system that torque tab may help keep you safe.

Carter Powell

[r.c.]

"Zero" torque to the wheel on my hydraulic unit.

[AlliStan]

ProHydraulic brand steering. Beefier than SeaStar, available through ProMarine, and rated for 700 hp. Have run one for three seasons now on my Allison and absolutely love it.

If anyone wants a pic I can take some.