I am new to the GG site as well as Grady-White. We just purchased a 2005, 205 Tournament with a F200. The boat is equipped with factory installed Hydraulic steering, Sea Star HC5348. Underway, how much steering resistance is acceptable? The system has been bled and topped off with fluid. At planing speed you almost need two hands to turn it to port. At idle turns to port are less of an effort but more than to starboard. Has anybody run across this issue? Thanks for any help!
Sea Star Hydraulic Steering Question
- Thread starter Mcor
- Start date
Parthery
GreatGrady Captain
Is the motor trimmed all the way in? Sounds like what you are feeling is actually steering torque.
Try trimming the motor up a little bit and see if the resistance disappears.
Try trimming the motor up a little bit and see if the resistance disappears.
Something isn't right. Steering at idle should be effortless. Start at this website and do some reading. Then do a search on <thehulltruth.com> and title it "seastar". You should get some help.
http://ww2.seastarsteering.com/OUTBOARD ... urge.htm&1
http://ww2.seastarsteering.com/OUTBOARD ... urge.htm&1
could be that the torque tab (the little fin on the underside of the cavitation plate) needs adjusting. That little fin makes a huge difference in this
The fact that at idle he's seeing a difference from port to starboard, no good.
Something is wrong.
The engine tab comes in to play at speed.
Something is wrong.
The engine tab comes in to play at speed.
Mcor said:
I just replaced the helm and cylinder on a 22 Seafarer, and had the same issue.
To balance the steering effort, (for planing speeds) you have to adjust the torque tab. Since it's hard when steering to port, you need to move it to the right, (starboard). Based on how difficult you said it is, I would try moving it a little less than an inch. Try it out and adjust it more or less, if necassary.
I hate to say this, but at idle, or slow speed, there's not much you can do. That's happening because of prop torque.
plymouthgrady
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steering
something is not right. The whole point of the hydraulic steering is to make it almost effortless. It's basically power steering for boats.
Check the Sea Star ram on the engine and make sure the end fittings are tight. When sitting at rest, take the cap off the fill on the steering wheel and slowly turn back and forth watching the level inside. Does rise up and down dramatically? Is it full? It sounds like a fluid level problem.
One thing I highly recommend getting a suicide knob. Worth its weight in gold.
something is not right. The whole point of the hydraulic steering is to make it almost effortless. It's basically power steering for boats.
Check the Sea Star ram on the engine and make sure the end fittings are tight. When sitting at rest, take the cap off the fill on the steering wheel and slowly turn back and forth watching the level inside. Does rise up and down dramatically? Is it full? It sounds like a fluid level problem.
One thing I highly recommend getting a suicide knob. Worth its weight in gold.
Your problem may not be Seastar.
When was the last time you lubricated all the fittings on your engine mounting bracket? There are several grease fittings that lubricate the tilt tube and the pivot in the transom plate that will cause hard steering if left unattended.
When was the last time you lubricated all the fittings on your engine mounting bracket? There are several grease fittings that lubricate the tilt tube and the pivot in the transom plate that will cause hard steering if left unattended.
Thanks guys, your input has been great. I heard about the suicide knob and will go ahead and install one. I will go ahead and adjust the torque tab. I am pretty mechanically inclined and could see how the steering system would operate with some difficulty without mechanical assistance. This is my first outboard and I guess I am just used to the automotive style power steering I/O's offer. What are your thoughts regarding adding the Teleflex power assist unit?
How about when sitting still? Is there any difference port & starboard? If not then it is most likely the trim tab issue.
Also, the motors need to be greased throughly with marine grease. Over time grease can harden and that could cause resistance. Been there. But that should be an even resistance in both directions.
Could the hydraulic lines be kinked?
Also, the motors need to be greased throughly with marine grease. Over time grease can harden and that could cause resistance. Been there. But that should be an even resistance in both directions.
Could the hydraulic lines be kinked?
Mcor said:
I checked it out and have to admit.... that is pretty cool... I didn't even know it was available. I'm sure it would reduce the steering effort, (all-around) but... for that price, is it really worth it? I think once you get the torque tab set right, you'll be happy with it.
Again, regarding idling speeds, the first thing I did while running slow, was pop it out of gear, and the torque was gone. Steering was smooth in both directions. Put it back in forward and the torque immediately returned.