I'm on the lookout for a hydraulic steering system...
 

If anyone sees a hydraulic steering system for sale on the cheap please let me know. The best deal I can find is around $540 for a new Baystar complete system. I was hoping to find a good used system in the $300 range.

Thanks!

no such thing as a good used one, especially the bay star. IF it needs seals, adn you add it to the cost of a used setup, you're right at the cost of a new one. Stay away from teh composite bay star helms, they had a lot of problems, and some of the original baystar cylinders are NLA and don't have any service parts for them. Jamestown Distributors has Telflex steering below what I pay wholesale for http://www.jamestowndistributors.com...=GRID&history=

And keep in mind horse power limits on these systems...I think Baystar is limited to 150 HP...

I wouldn't mind going with the Seastar system but the cheapest I have found was in the $750 range and I'm not willing to spend that, especially with the costs of the redo already mounting. I'll keep an eye out for the composite helms, every used part I have seen so far has been pitted or corroded...

I plan on powering with a 150 max so the Baystar system should serve my needs.

have you tried the no-feedback cable system? i know it's not hydraulic, but it's a close cousin.

the bay star is barely enough for 150 hp, I don't recommend it to any one running more than 130. The Uflex accura no feed back system is pretty nice, I like it better than the Teleflex NFB and its a whole lot cheaper than hydraulic. There's one more hydraulic system out there, I can't remember the name and don't know anything about it, begins with an M I think. I don't think its any cheaper though. Liability is the major cost of steering systems, not the system itself

I had a no feedback Teleflex system in my 18' and I was pretty happy with it, still some room for improvement though. The main reason for wanting to upgrade to hydraulic is because I am bracketing the V and I have been told on several occasions it was almost necessary for bracketed boats. I don't want to buy a no feedback system then realize I'll need to upgrade later.

pony up, buy the sea star. be done with it

Man, you don't know how the internet works? You're supposed to tell me what I want to hear, not what I actually need.:sad:

Not close--lol---I had a dual no feed back cable---never again. after 33+ years I put hyd steering on a trailer boat(I had hyd on my 33'). I got a MAROL system on my V-20 and could not be happier---and my steering does not get a bit stiffer each year anymore. It is a investment in your happiness for years to come.

Look at the Marol--the seastar uses bushings in its helm(pump)---Marol uses 2 bearings--front and rear on their helm (pump)---longevity---cost--should be $ for $.

Marol! That's the name I was thinking of

I found a good used system on Craigslist for around the $300 mark. I did have to have the connection fittings changed out for around $60 so they are out there.

Well, I picked up a like new Seastar 2.4 helm today for $200. I just couldn't bring myself to fork over the cash for a new complete system. I'll be piecing this kit together.