Steering Question

[bwater]

Looking at a new lund 1875 sport with 150 optimax, in some options it has hydrolic tilt steering and anti feedback tilt steering what is the difference. I thought all bigger engines came standard with hydrolic steering

[ozarkeyes]

No, even the 1775 and 1875 Pro Vs, Anti-feedback is standard and Hydraulic is optional.

Anti-feedback steering is strictly mechanical, having a stiff cable in the sleeve, with rack on the end of the cable and the pinion on helm. When you let loose of the wheel, the rack(cable) cant move unless the pinion (wheel) moves it. If the trim on motor is set correctly thru your rpms, steering is comfortable and your not fighting the wheel and motor torque. Hydraulic of course uses fluid in hoses as the helm turns one way, a valve opens allows the fluid to flow in one direction and push the end of the steering tube on motor in the correct direction and just the opposite happens when you turn the other way. Steering is more responsive, quicker, and definitely easier than mechanical.

Well worth the cost of up grade at time of purchase. Remember, compare the upfront cost of better system, to the years of enjoyment or not getting it and maybe be frustrated and disappointed every time you get on the water. Having Hyd steering installed a couple years later, you pay for the system, PLUS cost to remove old cables and install the Hyd, and your boat sits in shop for maybe a month, if they are real busy.

I personally would not go without Hyd on motors above say 115. Another thought too, if you plan on a kicker to be connected to main motor and steer the kicker at helm, hyd would be much easier and more comfortable. IMHO.

[4JawChuck]

Get the hydraulics, best upgrade I've ever installed in a boat...I've even contemplated getting the power steering pump option for ultimate luxury!

[staylor]

Hydraulic is the only way to go with a 440 lb Opti 150 engine on an aluminum boat. In fact- if its a Teleflex hydraulic- make sure they are offering you the Sea Star System- rather than the somewhat cheaper Bay Star. Teleflex does not recommend Bay Star on the small block V-6 Opti engines- Just the Sea Star and Sea Star Pro versions, due to the engine's weight.

Once you've had hydraulic steering, you will never go back to any cable system. Just compare driving your present car/truck with power steering to driving a 40 year old pick-up with manual steering, loose tie rod ends, bad front end alignment, one flat front tire and a sticking brake drum on the front tire thats not flat- it's that much of a difference with a boat with a big V-6 on it comparing hydraulic to NFB.

Doug- 2002 Starcraft SF-176 w/150 Opti and Sea Star Hydraulic- purchased new with hydraulic steering

[walleyedmike]

Originally Posted by bwater

Looking at a new lund 1875 sport with 150 optimax, in some options it has hydrolic tilt steering and anti feedback tilt steering what is the difference. I thought all bigger engines came standard with hydrolic steering

It does on Alumacraft.

[Fish_Heads]

Originally Posted by 4JawChuck

Get the hydraulics, best upgrade I've ever installed in a boat...I've even contemplated getting the power steering pump option for ultimate luxury!

Changed my Lund 1800 pro sport with 150 Honda & 9.9 honda kicker over to hyd last winter..........the difference in steering & comfort was like night & day...........Get the hyd for sure !

Fish