Jack in Alaska":3o0jekzk said:
I have a Baystar hydr. steering in the cabin for the main engine. I understand that Baystar is not compatible with a second station is that correct??? What are my options?
A rear sta. would be excellent for trolling.
Jack-
The BayStar system is designed for single outboard installations for up to 150 hp and speeds of up to 50 mph or so. The SeaStar is for larger outboards, multiple engine configurations, higher speeds, I/O's, and inboards.
It uses lower pressures than the SeaStar, and plastic tubing that you can cut yourself and install with fittings and clamps.
From what I can tell, the problems with a second station with the BayStar are two fold:
1. Some older Baystar models, HK4200 and HK4230, have a "unbalanced cylinder"* set up that won't allow fluid input from two helm stations or an autopilot. (The latest HK4200A does have a balanced cylinder.)
2. The tubing set up for a multiple steering station requires more connections than a simple installation, and the manufacturer recommends using the SeaStar hoses and system instead (for safety) in which all hoses are factory cut to length with swaged and threaded end fittings. (Less chance of loosing your steering from a slipped hose fitting.)
My guess is that you could add a second station with the BayStar by converting to the SeaStar hoses if you have the newer HK4200A model.
Here's a very good guide to the selection and installation of the BayStar and SeaStar systems:
BayStar-SeaStar Selection Guide
* "The current generation of outboard-mounted cylinders makes installation easy, since they use the tilt tube of the engine for support, and act directly on the engine‘s steering attachment point. In other words, the cylinder acts between two points on the outboard, and exerts no force on the boat‘s hull or deck. This type of cylinder is what is known as a balanced cylinder, meaning that port and starboard deflections take the same amount of hydraulic fluid. This, in turn, makes it ideal for autopilots, since they act symmetrically port and starboard. Note that some older BayStar steering kits (HK4200 and HK4230) use an unbalanced cylinder, and cannot be used with autopilots."
Source:
West Marine Advisor on Hydraulic Steering or page 658 of the 2008 catalogue.
Joe. :teeth :thup
older type BayStar HK4200 unbalanced cylinder kit

Latest BayStar HK4200A balanced cylinder kit