Steering Upgrade

[bhammer]

Hi All,

I have a standard, non powered steering, cable system on my Alpha 1, 18' IO, and my poor wife has a very difficult time overcoming the steering. Are there any advantage to changing it out to a hydraulic system such as that offered by seastar. Or are there some other options such as a PS upgrade?

Thanks,
Brian

 

[Don S]

Re: Steering Upgrade

Other than the cost of the system, there are no down sides. Going to PS would be even more expensive.

Moving to Boat Topics and Questions (not engine topics)

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Steering Upgrade

Brian, It the motor pulls to one side, you can try adjusting the zinc tab above and behind the prop. It s made to assist in making the steeing easier

 

[bhammer]

Re: Steering Upgrade

Cost is the donwside, and I think if i were going to do it, I'd go with a power assist system from the same group.

the tab is in good shape and does its job well and will go straight no problems. It's only when she needs to turn.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Steering Upgrade

your cable may need replacing. if you can get to it, disconnect at the motor end, and see if it is still stiff.

 

[bhammer]

Re: Steering Upgrade

The stering is great when at low speeds and she has no problems. All is slick as spit until there is a load. It is just manual steering.

 

[incrediblened]

Re: Steering Upgrade

I just posted an extended description of my upgrade to Power Steering. It was incredibly involved and I saved cost because I had a scrap boat to work with. I ended up spending an estimated $200 for the upgrade.

Search for '470 power steering upgrade'.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Steering Upgrade

Actually you can do both, we have power assist hydraulic steering as an option on our boats but as was pointed out it is pretty salty.

I ran a 28' with a Yamaha 250 4 stroke with just hydraulic and it turned like my 16' with a 50.

Memory serves it had more turns lock to lock.