From rack to Hydraulic Steering - ever done it?

[Ralph 123]

Has anybody ever converted a twin sterndrive rack system to a hydraulic steering system? <br /><br />If so:<br /><br />What brand did you go with?<br /><br />How long did it take (roughly)? <br /><br />What's the toughest part of the job?<br /><br />How much did it cost?<br /><br />How big was the low speed steering improvement?<br /><br />Any special things to look out for?<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[Solittle]

Re: From rack to Hydraulic Steering - ever done it?

Ralph - You might get better input if you include what motor (s) you have and what boat.<br /><br />In my book they are a must for the larger boat/motors or with twins. My 23'er came with the rig & I have twins.

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: From rack to Hydraulic Steering - ever done it?

1979 28' Formula with win Merc 5.7L (350s) with Alpha 1s. Currently has original power steering and I am thinking of going to hydraulic to get better low speed steering.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: From rack to Hydraulic Steering - ever done it?

Question, Ralph... Currently, how many turns of the wheel, lock to lock?<br /><br /> Never fooled around with sterndrives, but I have installed the teleflex/seastar hydraulic system on a few inboards and outboards.. <br /><br />Bleeding the system... Thats the toughest part of the job, IMO..<br /><br />"Any special things to look out for?" Yep.. You may, or may not, have to fabricate brackets to mount the cylinder...<br /><br />Cost? Self install.. I'd figure at least $1000-1500...

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: From rack to Hydraulic Steering - ever done it?

Snapper - I am pretty sure it is around 1-2 right now and sloppy (play in wheel w/o moving drives).<br /><br />My big issue left with this boat is low speed steering. It is an offshore speed boat - deep V hull and very narrow (about 7' at its widest).<br /><br />It was used for offshore racing at one point and had cleaver props - low speed steering was virtually non existent.<br /><br />If you let go of the wheel while running the boat will immediately turn.<br /><br />I changed props, added hydrofoils and will install a tie bar at the start of next season.<br /><br />I'm thinking of installing hydraulic but wanted to get a sense for how hard it would be and what kind of improvement is possible.