Steering: Replace cable or go Hydraulic?

A

Adeline

New member
Hi All, Adeline has original Morse Command 2 mechanical steering. It's getting stiff so I looked for a replacement cable. Morse quit making them in '97 but I found some on the net for about $180.00. I was just reading what Tyboo and Mr. Fisherman were saying about hydraulic-vs-mechanical on another thread. I would like to go this way but I have questions relating to my kicker. It's a 15 Johnson that is bolted to the transom next to my Johnson 70. Will the hydraulic rams interfere with my 15? How about the hydraulic lines? Presently, my steering cable is routed under the 15 so there are no clearance issues. At the helm, I understand that the steering wheel sits farther aft. Is this a problem? How about the bolt pattern from Morse to Bay-Star? Bottom line, has anyone done a Morse>Hydraulic upgrade and is it worth it? Pete
 
Thank you for an outstanding reply. Like you, my kicker is to starboard but the steering cable runs below it http://www.c-brats.com/albums/album61/A ... .sized.jpg . The picture shows how the factory rigged my auxilliary steering rod. You can find the components at marine supply stores. It seems that if I simply kept the aux. rod always connected that I would'nt have clearance problems. Is that your view? Pete
 
I went the hydraulic system on Snoopy-C. Works great. However, I decided that I wanted an extra helm so I went with the SeaStar instead of Baystar, since they said Baystar wouldn't work with dual helm. The hoses are quite good, but premade, so measurements need to be fairly on -- mine were a little long, so they drape inside the sink/stove cabinet area. Seastar ram is different configuration than Baystar -- the Seastar ram is the moving link, where Baystar hooks to the tilt tube. It doesn't interfere at all with the kicker. Nice that when underway, you can let go of the steering wheel, with no feedback whatsoever. If you decide to stay with the mechanical, I'd give it to anyone in the group who pays the shipping.

Pictures of the installation are in the Snoopy-C photos. Ron
 
I went hydraulic and don’t care at all for the “extra length” (dish) of the helm. It was a bit of a job getting the pump unit recessed into the helm, but after putting up with it for years sticking too far out towards you, in your lap… it was so worth the fix!! I can post some detail pix if there is interest.
Best thing I ever did to RedFox besides the new fourstokes, was the hydraulic steering.
It was far easier routing the hoses than a stiff awful mechanical cable.
:moon
 
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