Seastar hydraulic steering - Fisherman 180

[OCMike]

I am in the process of upgrading the steering system on my Fisherman 180. It had a NFB cable steer from the factory but I want to install an Autopilot so I am installing Seastar PRO hydraulic steering. The catch is that the splashwell is too tight to insert the new bar in to the tilt tube. I got the old cable out(Lots of cutting) but I can't see a way to put in the new pivot tube bar. I have seen various ideas out the from other boats that range from cutting a hole in the splash well, unbolting and sliding the engine over or hoisting the engine up.

All of these options seem a little intimidating. Can anyone suggest the best procedure to get the bar in to the tilt tube?
Thanks
Mike

 

[seasick]

I've seen situations where the motor had to be moved over. Basically that is the same as hoisting the motor, you just hoist it up an inch or two.

 

[SkunkBoat]

If you have a Harbor freight near you, a one ton motor lift is often on sale for $100. reg $169 which is still dirt cheap.

 

[Halfhitch]

If the side wall of your splashwell will allow it, you could just install a 4 inch inspection plate so that you can slide the shaft out.

 

[Fishtales]

If you have a Harbor freight near you, a one ton motor lift is often on sale for $100. reg $169 which is still dirt cheap.

Not sure I'd want a HF lift holding my engine up too long. Usually one use tools for weekend warriors.... Just sayn,

 

[SkunkBoat]

Not sure I'd want a HF lift holding my engine up too long. Usually one use tools for weekend warriors.... Just sayn,

exactly. Cheap enough to own for the handful of times you need to lift a motor. Gives you the option to lift it instead of wondering how you're gonna cut a hole in your boat so you can install steering.
I got $100 worth out of it the first time I used it. Used to have to borrow one from my brother in law, put it on a trailer, hear complaints about "are you done with it yet?"....hump it onto a trailer again...
Don't get me wrong, I think most HB stuff is crap...but its cheap crap instead of expensive crap.

 

[Fishtales]

agree...