Power steering worth the time?

F

faredo

Cadet
Joined
Nov 11, 2013
Messages
6
Was considering adding power steering to the winter projects. I have a doner boat with a 5.0VP and power steering so i was considering moving the assembly over to my 5.7VP.
Its not terribly hard to steer but i can tell the difference, plus the wife complains if shes at the wheel.
Am i looking at a headache or special tools?
 
dingbat

dingbat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 20, 2001
Messages
16,663
Re: Power steering worth the time?

I would change to hydraulic steering long before I messed with power steering
 
C

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
28,420
Re: Power steering worth the time?

faredo, My neighbor had a 30 footer with twin 305HP SBC motors/Mercruisers. His power steering cooler rotted out one day and all the PS fluid was lost. The boat was unsteerable at anything above displacement speed. When the PS was fixed, it could be steered with one hand, easily. Now on a smaller boat with a single screw, the difference will not be so dramatic. I therefore think it worth it to install the PS.
 
H

H20Rat

Vice Admiral
Joined
Mar 8, 2009
Messages
5,204
Re: Power steering worth the time?

roffey said:
I thought power steering was hydraulic.
Click to expand...

All power steering systems are hydraulic. But not all hydraulic systems are power assisted! There are systems out there that use hydraulic fluid instead of cables. They work well, and allow for easier routing than a cable based system.
 
R

ricohman

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jul 30, 2011
Messages
1,631
Re: Power steering worth the time?

I never operated a boat with power steering until I bought my 2011. Now that I have power steering I can't imagine doing without it.
 
dingbat

dingbat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 20, 2001
Messages
16,663
Re: Power steering worth the time?

smokingcrater said:
All power steering systems are hydraulic. But not all hydraulic systems are power assisted! There are systems out there that use hydraulic fluid instead of cables. They work well, and allow for easier routing than a cable based system.
Click to expand...
Yep....no belts, no pulleys and the problems that go with them. Easy connection to auto pilot
 
The Rooster

The Rooster

Ensign
Joined
Apr 28, 2011
Messages
936
Re: Power steering worth the time?

faredo said:
Was considering adding power steering to the winter projects. I have a doner boat with a 5.0VP and power steering so i was considering moving the assembly over to my 5.7VP.
Its not terribly hard to steer but i can tell the difference, plus the wife complains if shes at the wheel.
Am i looking at a headache or special tools?
Click to expand...

I've got the "power assisted" hydraulic steering Smoking crater is talking about, and it's very nice, but it was a very expensive option. Something like $1800.00 +. Since you've got a donor system available, I'd try it in a heart beat. Good luck !!!
 
tazrig

tazrig

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Dec 20, 2012
Messages
1,752
Re: Power steering worth the time?

The first time you use it in cramped quarters you'll wonder how you ever lived without it.
 
R

ricohman

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jul 30, 2011
Messages
1,631
Re: Power steering worth the time?

I've also found it easier to manuver with moderate power at lower speeds. Like when powering away from the shore when drifting and bottom bouncing for Walleye. And my wife can operate the boat with ease.
 
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smokeonthewater

smokeonthewater

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Dec 3, 2009
Messages
9,838
Re: Power steering worth the time?

" hey honey,15 deg to port and LOSER speed ahead" :facepalm:
 
04fxdwgi

04fxdwgi

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 10, 2011
Messages
754
Re: Power steering worth the time?

Thought my power assisted steering wasn't doing too much to assist in steering my boat, UNTIL one of the hoses let go and I lost that "minimal assist".

What a long 15 mile ride home that was. Power steering all the way !!!!!!
 
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