BayStar Hydraulic Steering: A Comprehensive Guide
BayStar hydraulic steering is a popular choice for single outboard powered boats up to 150 horsepower. It is a more robust and reliable system than cable steering, and it offers a number of advantages, including:
- Smoother and more effortless steering
- Reduced feedback from the engine
- Increased maneuverability
- Improved handling in rough seas
- Reduced wear and tear on the steering system
- How BayStar Hydraulic Steering Works
BayStar hydraulic steering kits come complete with all of the necessary components, including the helm pump, steering cylinder, hydraulic hoses, fittings, fluid reservoir, and mounting hardware. The kits are available in a variety of sizes to fit different boat types and engine sizes.
BayStar hydraulic steering is a two-line system. One line carries fluid from the helm pump to the steering cylinder, and the other line carries fluid back to the helm pump. When the steering wheel is turned, the helm pump forces fluid into the corresponding line, which causes the steering cylinder to move. The steering cylinder is connected to the boat’s rudder or drive unit, so when the cylinder moves, it turns the boat.
BayStar Hydraulic Steering Components
The following are the main components of a BayStar hydraulic steering system:
Helm pump: The helm pump is mounted on the boat’s console and is connected to the steering wheel. It is responsible for pumping fluid to and from the steering cylinder.
Steering cylinder: The steering cylinder is mounted on the boat’s transom and is connected to the rudder or drive unit. It is responsible for turning the boat.
Hydraulic hoses: The hydraulic hoses connect the helm pump to the steering cylinder. They carry the hydraulic fluid that powers the system.
Fittings: The fittings connect the hydraulic hoses to the helm pump, steering cylinder, and other components.
Fluid reservoir: The fluid reservoir stores the hydraulic fluid that circulates through the system.
Installing BayStar Hydraulic Steering
Installing BayStar hydraulic steering is a relatively straightforward process, but it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
MOUNTING THE HELM
Step 1:
Determine desired mounting position. Ensure that the steering wheel will not interfere with other functional equipment. Check for adequate space behind the dash for fitting and line connections.
Step 2:
Tape the mounting template (found on page 3 of this manual) to the dash and use a center punch to mark the locations of the hole.
Step 3:
Confirm that you will not be drilling into any other equipment then; drill the 3” diameter center hole and the four 5/16″ diameter mounting holes as shown on the template.
Step 4:
Ensuring that the fill port is in the upper position, install the four washers and four nuts onto the mounting studs of the helm pump. Torque nuts to 110 in-lb.
Step 5:
Lightly grease taper of the helm shaft and mount steering wheel to helm.
Step 6:
Install ORB helm fittings into rear of helm, see page 9 for ORB fitting installation.
CYLINDER INSTALLATION
Step 1:
Using a good quality marine grease (such as Evinrude Triple Guard, Quicksilver anti-corrosion, Yamaha marine grease, or equivalent), liberally lubricate the tilt tube, support rods (Item 5) and mount nut (item 7) and then slide the support rods (item 5) into engine tilt tube.
Step 2:
Lightly grease the tiller bolt (Item 2) & partially screw into the appropriate hole in the tiller arm to assure a proper fit. Remove and go to Step 3.
Step 3:
Select appropriate insert diagram from Figure 11 through 15 to determine proper orientation of the cylinder assembly, the tiller bolt and the self-locking nut (Items 8, 2 and 1). Grease and install as indicated.
Step 4:
Screw lubricated mounting nut (item 7) onto tilt tube of the engine. Torque nut 20–25 ft-lb.
Step 5:
Lightly grease the ends of the cylinder shaft and holes of the support rods (item 5). Attach and secure support rods (Item 5) to the cylinder shaft. Tighten using the nuts and washers (Items 4 & 3) as illustrated in Figure 11 through 17.
REVERSING COMPACT CYLINDER ENGINE PLATE
1. DO NOT attempt to reverse the pivot plate with the cylinder installed on the engine. (This may damage the steering shaft, causing irreparable damage.)
2. Remove the two cap screws from one end of the steering cylinder using the 5/32″ Allen head wrench, or socket.
DO NOT pull the gland off the end of the shaft, doing so may damage the seals when you try to reassemble it.
3. Remove the pivot plate and flip over end for end, placing the end hole over the shaft stub on the fixed gland.
4. After removing the cap screws there will be small amounts of debris on the screw. Ensure that any loose debris is removed from inside and the face of the cylinder body.
5. Carefully slide the loose gland back into place so that the gland stub fits into the hole on the pivot plate. Some SeaStar steering fluid applied to the O-ring on the gland may ease reinsertion into the barrel.
6. Align the screw holes on the gland with the threaded holes on the barrel, ensure that the gland face is butted tightly against the end of the barrel, with no debris in between, and fasten using the cap screws removed earlier. Tighten to torque spec 60 in-lb (5 ft-lb).
Cost
The price of BayStar hydraulic steering on eBay varies depending on the specific system you are looking for, but you can expect to pay between $900 and $1,500 for a complete system. Here are some examples of BayStar hydraulic steering systems currently available on eBay:
- Teleflex Hk4200a Baystar Hydraulic Steering Kit 17893 – $959.99
- SeaStar HK4200A-3 BayStar Hydraulic Outboard Steering Kit – $999.99
- BayStar Outboard Steering System – $1,299.99
- BayStar Hydraulic Steering Kit for Single Outboard Boats – $1,499.99
Review
BayStar Hydraulic Steering Install on my Mako Boat!
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