which hydraulic steering is best

Hugh Jardon · 03 December 2005, 15:20

ok i need to get hydraulic steering for the vipermax and i am looking for some advice...what is good what is bad

i want steering that is problem free, easy to turn but not too many turns from lock to lock, prefer even number of turns from center in each direction,

it will need to be for 200 hp engine

have heard about ultraflex, bay star, seastar

any advice on the make to go for would be appreciated

thanks

Rogue Wave · 03 December 2005, 16:24

I only have had sea stars no real reson just the way it went never had any problems

roycruse · 03 December 2005, 18:27

UltraFlex on my boat - seems great but its the first boat ive had with hydraulic steering so ive only got cable to compare it with.

Rogue Wave · 03 December 2005, 18:34

that looks nice, how much was it?

roycruse · 03 December 2005, 18:39

It was £699 "fitted" as an option when purchasing new from Ribcraft.

You can get it here retail to fit yourself for £499 http://www.mailspeedmarine.com/Produ...oductID/105262

Erin · 03 December 2005, 19:02

I've just gone through the same dilemma. Eventually I went for HyDrive. Neat looking system, not too many turns lock to lock and a lot of choice over type of Ram. Also had a good bit of info and help from the UK agent, SouthCross Marine.

Richard B · 03 December 2005, 21:12

We have Sea Star. No complaints.
Never heard anything against HyDrive or Ultraflex either.

Bay Star isn't suitable for your setup - it's rated for lower powered outboards only.

Don't order the steering until your outboard engine delivery is confirmed as you will need a specific kit for your engine type.

Hugh Jardon · 03 December 2005, 21:21

yes i have been waiting on ordering the steering for when i get the engine sorted, will order it this week and i am now strongly leaning towards a optimax based on everything i have read.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard B

We have Sea Star. No complaints.
Never heard anything against HyDrive or Ultraflex either.

Bay Star isn't suitable for your setup - it's rated for lower powered outboards only.

Don't order the steering until your outboard engine delivery is confirmed as you will need a specific kit for your engine type.

Cookee · 05 December 2005, 09:23

Another vote for Seastar - we fit it as standard to our production boats and the "pro" version to the race boats.

Hugh Jardon · 05 December 2005, 09:55

sea star has been my top of list one so i think i will go down that route

cheeeeeeers

swginn · 05 December 2005, 12:58

Yep, we've got Seastar on ours too, nice unit and has a lovely "feel" to it.

What surprised me about ours is that it is in fact the "Pro" version that Cookee referred to also. Considering the XS-RIB is regarded as a budget-friendly RIB it was to nice to know that they didn't skimp on the important things.

Cookee, any chance you could enlighten me on the differences between the "Pro" and standard models??

Cookee · 05 December 2005, 14:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by swginn

Cookee, any chance you could enlighten me on the differences between the "Pro" and standard models??

The pro is used in high performance applications where you have lots of power and the boat is leaving the water frequently. The valves all operate at higher relief pressures and the hoses are stronger - this means that when the boat re-enters the water the shock load to the valves don't blow off so easily, and when you want to steer against the torque it actually moves the steering instead overpowering the valves.

swginn · 05 December 2005, 14:27

Thanks, makes sense!

Probably not needed on a 150/ 6m setup but it's peace of mind I guess, although she does leave the water frequently

DJL · 05 December 2005, 14:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cookee

The pro is used in high performance applications where you have lots of power and the boat is leaving the water frequently. The valves all operate at higher relief pressures and the hoses are stronger - this means that when the boat re-enters the water the shock load to the valves don't blow off so easily, and when you want to steer against the torque it actually moves the steering instead overpowering the valves.

Do you know what pressure the SeaStar pressure relief valves operate at? I can't find details anywhere.

The ultraflex stuff is 1000psi/70bar.

Jimbob · 05 December 2005, 17:26

Sea start for me on my 200 never been an issue

Hugh Jardon · 09 December 2005, 20:14

does anyone have a rough idea how much seastar hydraulic steering will cost? is it around £720?

Louise · 09 December 2005, 20:37

Here's RRP info:http://www.hypromarine.com/2403/info.php?p=6&pno=0

DJL · 09 December 2005, 20:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hugh Jardon

does anyone have a rough idea how much seastar hydraulic steering will cost? is it around £720?

Visit Hypro Marine in Lymington - I got my seastar kit from them for a lot less than £720.

www.hypromarine.com

codprawn · 09 December 2005, 20:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Louise

Here's RRP info:http://www.hypromarine.com/2403/info.php?p=6&pno=0

Back at last!!! Where have you been hiding?? This must be the first post from you in ages!!!

Hightower · 09 December 2005, 20:53

Have a look at this: http://www.hypromarine.com/2403/frames.php

These guys supply all the Sea star and Bay star systems to all the retailers in the area.

Phone them and you'll find them really helpful and will be happy to mix and match to your requirments Chris. Say for instance you want a faster lock to lock than the standard....They'll supply you with a higher capacity helm unit.

Have a look mate.

PS. Don't tell anyone but I got the cheepest quote for mine with Kevin Mole on the IOW and that included delivery by hoovercraft.