Hydrolic Steering (Hydrive Vs Sea star Vs Ultraflex)

[jeffo]

Hi all,

Being the first time i have ever had to look at hydrolic steering on my boat, i would like to hear peoples thoughts and opinions on the different brands around.

What have you all had on your boats and what pros and cons have you found for each?

Cheers.

[T-REX]

Installed a Hydrive a few years ago and it takes away all the feedback. Makes a day out less tiring as you are not constantly fighting the helm feedback. I think the different brands serve the same purpose. It comes down to which one siuts your rig and how much you want to spend. I believe Hydrive is Australian and I am more than happy with it. Wait for a few more responses and get an idea of different opinions. Read up on them and search this site as it has been discussed before. They do take a little bit of getting used to just like power steering in a car.
Cheers

[skipalong]

hi jeff i previously had seastar, had a look at utraflex and was going to be my choice until i found out about this other unit, was a great unit never had any issues, but just went through the same process for my new boat and have opted for a different brand again made twin disc it has more seals and bigger shaft and can handle higher loads than others available, not to mension it has a awesome price.

if you need to know anymore about it or a contact number for the guys the sell it just send me a pm and let me know

justin

[Rod_Bender]

I set up the same thread maybe 18 months ago when i had my plate boat built. I went the Hydrive system. Mainly because of the few experienced (20 plus years) tech's in Townsville i chatted with told me so.

I've had it on since and been perfect. Mind you, i've barely done 40 hours on it though.

[captain rednut]

seastar is smoother and quieter and hydrive is a little bumpy and noisey but will outlast seastar by farr. cheers, from someone whom has had both.

[FNQCairns]

This is a recipe

http://www.go2marine.com/product.do?no=81201F

http://www.hydrive.com.au/site/product-ah.html (the 103 or any brand around 35cc or 2.0 if I remember correctly)

and then something like this:

http://www.bla.com.au//index.php?fn=productGroupView&dId=1&id=1670&eId=10&sId=541d9300ac4f9fa16ea37a4a1d53b709

The above is what I ended up with after lot's of research, but overall more expensive than other kits etc

Here is the complete kit using Seastar helm.

http://www.bla.com.au//index.php?fn=productGroupView&dId=1&id=1668&eId=10&sId=541d9300ac4f9fa16ea37a4a1d53b709

cheers fnq

[PADDLES]

had a seastar bullhorn on last boat and now have a hydrive side mount on current boat. both are excellent and so far have given me no problems.

Hydrive is aussie made and was cheaper at the time so i went for it.