Help with hydraulic steering choice

Salmon Fisher

I have been wondering the difference between a Baystar and Seastar hydraulic unit for my boat that has twin Honda 40s. I have read the teleflex recommendations and they say the Seastar unit is for dual motors. The Seastar is more expensive than Baystar unit and like everyone, I want to save money where it makes sense to.

However, the Baystar unit is rated for 150 hp, which is far below the 80 combined hp of my Hondas.

My question: Can I install a Baystar unit and be ok? Will the helm pump and steering cylinder do their job without being overtaxed by the dual 40s? I have the installed tie bar, which would be above steering cylinder. BTW, Jim on Work Release has the Baystar unit, but it is a 2004 unit. Are the ones produced now of lighter/cheaper materials?

Thanks in advance, looks in archives, couldn't locate an answer.

Papillon · Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2009 12:29 am Post subject:

Others on this site with much more command of the engineering skills can give you the techno reasons why you should follow the manufacturers recommendations, but let me give you my insight on the main reason.

Have you ever been skimming across the water with your love ones on board and had a steering cable break. Well I have and it was not a pretty sight. People flying, Capt. hanging on to a wheel that wasn't helping.

All turned out ok..in the end. But only by the grace of god.

It just doesn't make any sense to let $$$ dictate your choices where your life and those of your friends and family are involved. So it is my opinion that you should follow the manufacturers advice and go with the Seastar...It's the one on my boat by the way...
115 Suzuki Single on a 22 Angler.

digger · Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2009 12:51 am Post subject:

The seastar is the heavier duty unit, and originally was different in that the cylinder moved thus turning the motor while the rod remained stationary in the tilt tube. The baystar had the cylinder stationary and the rod moved. The seastar requires premade hoses, while the baystar has tubes that can be cut to size. The seastar was the only unit that was approved to accept a second helm station. Also, the autopilot would have to be mounted on the helm for the baystar, while a hydraulic autopilot could be plumbed into the seastar, or it could be mounted on the helm itself. I think that both units are now designed to operate similarly regarding the cylinder, but I'm pretty sure the baystar still can use the cut to fit hoses. The baystar has been standard equipment on the 19 foot c-dories . Either are a significant improvement over the cable helms, and provide no feedback, so the steering wheel can be unattended and the motor torque will not spin the wheel. Ron

ccflyer · Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2009 7:40 pm Post subject:

Specs on this site seem to indicate you can't use the Baystar with twins.

"Twin engine applications not available at this time." Cry

http://www.foreandaftmarine.com/1-BAYSTAR.htm

Hunkydory · Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2009 12:02 am Post subject:

Salmon Fisher · Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2009 11:00 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the feedback. I, in no way, want to compromise safety by going with a steering unit that is subpar.

I would be interested if others with twins, 40s or 50s, have the Baystar unit and what their level of satisfaction is. Does anyone know when Seastar was brought out?

Don and Brenda · Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2009 11:21 pm Post subject:

I have a 2007 with twin 40 Suzuki and it came with Seastar steering.

Jack in Alaska · Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2009 1:43 am Post subject:

You will love that new hydraulic steering and will wonder why you waited so long to change it out.

Matt Gurnsey · Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2009 12:12 pm Post subject:

Keep in mind that when manufacturers talk about twins- twin 40 / 50's never even occurs to them.

The Baystar should be more than up to the task of handling the torque of twin 40's.

Salmon Fisher · Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2009 11:05 pm Post subject:

Ok, well, looks like I will go with the Baystar, thought it would be up to the task.

Thanks everyone for the input.

Patrick

thataway · Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2009 7:00 pm Post subject:

One difference in the twins, is that the Sea Star has the capacity to handle the Liquid tie bar--where the two engines each have a hydraulic cylinder and there is a hydraulic connection between the two engines. This is in opposition to the twin 40's where you are using a single cylinder and a mechanical tie bar. I would suspect that with the mechanical tie bar you would be fine. If you were to go to the dual cylinders, then you should go to the Sea Star.