Hydraulic steering on lund fisherman

[drh1175]

I know this is a great option on 200b and above motors. Is it recomended on 150's or is the factory lund steering adequete for say the f150 yamaha engine or f115. thanks

[PJM]

drh1175

I had a 150hp on an 1890 SE with regular steering and there was no problem steering it. I would stay with standard steering and spend the extra money you would have spent on the hydraulic steering on something else.

[Mike M (Sask)]

All depends on what you want!

My Last boat was a 20' with a 200 HP and regular dual cable steering and it worked fine. Having said that... this year I bought a new Fisherman with a 150 HP and went with the hydrolic steering and I (personally) wouldn't go without it. I think you don't know what your missing till you have had it. Absolutely no steering torque.

Just my opinion.

[fishslime]

Mike is right.

If it were me I'd do the following.

115hp stay with the no feedback dual steering.
150hp and financing the deal...go with hydraulic steering.
150hp and I'm paying cash, go with the no feedback dual steering.

The hydraulic steering allows no hands operation (not recommended) or steering with just one finger like your car.

The no feedback dual steering allows for safe operation without feedback but there is torque on the steering wheel at times and to turn real fast, you'll have some effort.

[T-Mac]

The factory "standard" steering on Lund boats rated for 115hp or more is the "no-feedback". (safety related)
Hydraulic Steering is optional on 1800 Fisherman. (fairly expensive)

[larrym]

I'm in my 60's with a little arthritis in my hand and shoulders. Had it added to my boat 2 years ago and it made a mojor difference. I also troll from the console and it's really nice for that....just like power sterring in a car. Ordering a Fisherman myself this year and hydraulic steering was priced at $795.While I wouldn't be without it now, if I were 20 years younger I would probably opt to use my muscles and save the $800 for somthing else.

[Steve Colorado]

I agree totally with responders 2 and 5. I tried out the 1700 Fisherman with a 115 Optimax and found the steering stiff. Usable, but stiff. Like Larry M, I'm in my 60's and did not want to fight my steering wheel. I had hydraulics put on my 1700 with a 135 Opti and would never do otherwise. Easy to steer under any circumstances. I like the auto power steering analogy. Do any of you drive a car WITHOUT power steering now? By the way, this was in 2001 and they did not offer a hydraulic option on the 1700 Fisherman. My dealer cajoled Lund into doing a special install for me. They now offer it regularly, which should tell you something. They wouldn't have made that change unless there was a real need. in my view
Steve CO

[Sunshine]

It's a nice to have but not a must have unless you have physical problems that dictate "finger" steering. The car analogy is a nice one but not totally accurate. Once you're up on plane the "stiffness" is not an issue and you have no hand over hand steering like you do with a car. Most turning maneuvers in a boat at those speeds are done with 2-3" wheel adjustment.