SeaStar question

[Pighunter]

After waiting a year and a half for a Panther kicker steering rod that never came, I'm trying to build my own. I made stainless steel brackets for both motors. The problem with the main motor a OX225 is finding a place to mount a bracket. So can I put a U-bolt around the Seastar without damaging it.

 

[ElyseM]

FYI. i've used these way back when they first came around. https://ezsteer.com/

worked great. might want to look into them. good luck, ron

 

[Pighunter]

FYI. i've used these way back when they first came around. https://ezsteer.com/

worked great. might want to look into them. good luck, ron

Thanks but that's what I'm replacing, this is my third boat with a EZ steer system and I have had nothing but problems with all three systems. I'm going with a solid 1/2" stainless steel rod mounted on the front.

 

[Chessie246G]

I would not clamp to the hydraulic ram. I'm not sure why you want/need to, It needs to be attached to the piston rod (the shiny one) as it moves with the engine left and right.

 

[Pighunter]

I would not clamp to the hydraulic ram. I'm not sure why you want/need to, It needs to be attached to the piston rod (the shiny one) as it moves with the engine left and right.

The housing is what moves right and left.

 

[ElyseM]

Thanks but that's what I'm replacing, this is my third boat with a EZ steer system and I have had nothing but problems with all three systems. I'm going with a solid 1/2" stainless steel rod mounted on the front.

fyi, the arm is intended to slide within the ez steer in order to account for the turning arc. very important to follow installation instructions. like i said, i used them way way back and maybe the product has deteriorated. good luck, ron

 

[Chessie246G]

The housing is what moves right and left.

I guess I didn't think it through correctly. LOL Why not mount it to the mounting tab right above the ram? It turns with the engine correct? Either way I would not clamp directly to the ram. Any deformation to that ram is asking for a leak.

 

[DennisG01]

That housing is so solid that I can't imagine you're going to harm it in any way with a couple band clamps.

Are you making a 2-piece sliding contraption so everything still works when one engine is tilted?

I've never used it, but I think Attwood makes a setup for about $25.

I've heard good things about the EZ Steer many times over the years.

 

[SkunkBoat]

The housing is what moves right and left.

I think you should be connecting to the tiller bracket of the motor (that screw hole above the seastar). Or look at a seastar HO6001 tie bar bracket

 

[Pighunter]

I think you should be connecting to the tiller bracket of the motor (that screw hole above the seastar). Or look at a seastar HO6001 tie bar bracket

That would have probably been the way to go 2 years ago when I first ordered a kit (that never arrived). But anyway I'm going to make up something, I'll post pictures when done. I did attach a bracket to the screw hole above the sea star, but it has a very small clearance and would only turn the motor a few inches before binding.
Thanks

 

[SkunkBoat]

check around and see if you can find one of these. This was the tie bar bracket off my Yamaha ox66s. idk the part number. I don't think it was a Seastar brand product. Did'nt work well on the suzukis so I trashed it and got an HO6001.

 

[Pighunter]

I made a couple of brackets and it seems to be working, I'll water test it next week not the prettiest but oh well

 

[Ky Grady]

I made a couple of brackets and it seems to be working, I'll water test it next week not the prettiest but oh well

Redneck ingenuity at it's finest!! It looks like it should work. Let us know how sea trial goes.

 

[SkunkBoat]

hehehe You must be related to my Father-in-law

 

[Pighunter]

Redneck ingenuity at it's finest!! It looks like it should work. Let us know how sea trial goes.

Lol. I agree, Its working in the driveway, it's only got work thru this salmon season and with any luck I'll be able to find a motor upgrade in the next year or two. Trying to find a motor these days is like hitting the lotto.

 

[Fishtales]

MacGyver right there. Nice job.

 

[Pighunter]

Well I went Halibut fishing today in San Francisco bay and tried my steering rod and it works prefect.

 

[SkunkBoat]

Well I went Halibut fishing today in San Francisco bay and tried my steering rod and it works prefect.

WTF?

...Where's the Fish?

 

[Ky Grady]

Well I went Halibut fishing today in San Francisco bay and tried my steering rod and it works prefect.

Powder coating and go into production with it.

 

[Pighunter]

WTF?

...Where's the Fish?

Got skunked! (water temp is still to low) But I got boarded by the coast guard, all was good with the inspection except I don't have a anti pollution sticker on my dash. She gave me a written warning, when I asked what it's for she said to remind me not to throw oil in the water.