Motor / steering question for a tri-toon?

[LightngSVT]

Hello everyone, I have a question: Im ordering a 22' tri-toon Bennington that will be built in a few weeks so I have to finalize my order. Ive settled on the Mercury 200hp Optimax for the motor and the ESP package comes with Seastar hydraulic steering. However power assist steering is an option and Bennington really pushes the option, but is not a cheap option. I hear alot of conflicting info on whether or not I should go with the power assist option. We do plan to use the boat for watersports as well as cruising. So any help is appreciated.

 

[The Rooster]

Re: Motor / steering question for a tri-toon?

Hey "SVT", We're rigged with the basic Seastar system, and find it does the job nicely. We pull skiiers all the time. I believe our previous Bently 243 triple tube w/ 200 Optimax had the Baystar system. Can't say I feel much difference either way. Good luck !!!

 

[5150abf]

Re: Motor / steering question for a tri-toon?

Congrats on the boat, I think you would like the power steering but you can probably live without it, it does make it easier to steer though.

In the end it is up to you because the boo will work either way ust alittle harder on on you, don't knwo how long you intend to keep the boat but having it may help with resale.

 

[LightngSVT]

Re: Motor / steering question for a tri-toon?

The only tri-tton Ive ever driven was a 25RCW with an I/O and power assist steering. My old boat was a 07 1850GL with cable steering and a 50hp 2 stroke Yamaha so it didnt take any effort to steer that boat. I wish I could drive a boat with Sea-star only, but the dealer doesnt have any available and I dont have time to wait really. I hear about "finger tip" steering with the power assist, is that also true of Sea-Star only? My wife is about 5'1" and she'll drive occasionally too, would she be OK with just the Sea-Star?

We kept our last boat 5 years, so Id guess we'll keep this one at least that long.

5150ABF, you work at Bennington right? Keep an eye out for an order for a custom yellow 2275GCW coming through sometimes in the next few weeks!

 

[GrandDad]

Re: Motor / steering question for a tri-toon?

My brother just picked up a Bennington 22 (forget which model) ESP with a 150hp Yamaha and hydraulic steering. We have a Premier 22-foot PTX with a 150hp Yamaha that also has hydraulic steering. Both of us are pleased with the ease of steering. Power steering would probaby be easier but I wonder about whether it is worth the cost.

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: Motor / steering question for a tri-toon?

A Bennington with a 200 Optimax....... Why skimp on the steering??? Go for it. You will not be sorry. That big 200 ain't gonna turn easily at the higher speeds.

 

[atlapp]

Re: Motor / steering question for a tri-toon?

I am with egliderider on this one that is 1 heavy motor, and for what your are spending what the heck!

 

[The Rooster]

Re: Motor / steering question for a tri-toon?

Hey "SVT", I was mistaken earlier. I do have Seastar Hydraulic steering with Power assist. Sorry for the confusion!!!

 

[5150abf]

Re: Motor / steering question for a tri-toon?

I am in the weld shop and rarely see a finished boat just a sea of tubes, PM me your dealer and I will watch for it and make certain everyting is right if I can but we are doing 27 a day so no promises, it tends to get a bit busy.

I did take out a company boat earlier this year that had Merc 350 mag I/O in it with power steering and it was finger tip steering but an out drive is different than a giant outboard.

You will love the ESP package, they handle crazy good and Eglide is right as usual, you got a 5k center tube why pull up on the power steering, as I said, when it comes time to sell that will definately add to the value.

 

[LightngSVT]

Re: Motor / steering question for a tri-toon?

I suppose you guys are right and were already this far in why stop now. The option is listed at $2200, but the dealer is offering it for $1800 so I guess I'll bite and do it up. Given the price whats another $1800? LOL! It is a very loaded but with most options except the stereo, gonna have that done when it arrives at the dealer. We are super excited to get our boat! Our last Bennington was flawless for 5 years, it was a 2007 1850GL.

5150abf, youre so right about how they handle! I waited months to get a test drive but after only a few minutes both the wife and I were sold and ordered our new boat. Even coming from a (lesser) Bennington I had no idea the difference until we were actually on one. And BTW, if you want to change my paperwork to say "Shatter" instead of 2275GCW feel free! LOL!

 

[san diego flyer]

Re: Motor / steering question for a tri-toon?

I can't imagine pulling a skier with a 200+ engine on a tritoon w/o power steering. If money is an object give up the stereo, the courtesy lights, and the wife!!

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Motor / steering question for a tri-toon?

As it's said above, the SeaStar hydraulic steer is sufficient without the power steering option.

P/S would be nice @ $1,000, but $1800 difference is just too much money.