jigstick

Im always looking to upgrade my boat. not that I "have" to. But I'm always looking for a sweet deal. Well I came across this bad boy and I'm having a hard time talking myself out of it. If those were 4 strokes id be flying down to drive it home already. Talked to the owner today about it. https://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/boa/d/2002-hydra-sports-2600-wa/6542099909.html

Here are the part numbers from Seastar. These components are compatible with Mercruiser V6 190hp engines with hydraulic assisted steering. Hydraulic Ram (unbalanced cylinder) HC5328-3 Hydraulic Helm HH5271-3 Hydraulic Hoses HO51xx xx = hose length 2-6ft lengths come in 1ft increments 6-30ft lengths come in 2ft increments Hydraulic Pump fittings (to connect to hydraulic autopilot pumps) HF5531 you can specify 90-45-straight based on your installation arrangement youll have to double check the part number based on what degree fitting you want. Hydraulic Helm fittings HF6004 this part number is for 90 degree helm fittings. You will also need 2 T-fittings. I don't have this part number off hand. The part numbers for these fittings I know work for a Raymarine Type 1 reversing autopilot pump. I would recommend you guys crossreference the fittings you need based on what pump you are using. This is the layout that I will be using

The bearings and clutch pads inside the sport pilot heat up over time. And you end up fighting the sport pilot when trying to manually steer. Twice now I’ve had my sportpilot back to Raymarine for new clutch pads. One time it was so bad I could barely steer the boat coming back into the harbor. The drive unit is also loud to listen too all day long. I’m just through messing around with the Sportpilot. It worked well enough over the past few years...but I came into some extra money for the boat this year. And I think going to a hydraulic setup will fix my steering situation once and for all

Excellent idea regarding the ball valves to isolate the pump

I will post part numbers and costs later on today. I’m at work at the moment. Ball park though is roughly $1500 for helm, ram, autopilot pump, hoses, and misc fittings

I’ll definitely post pictures of the process. I plan to get the boat out of storage in the next two weeks. I have to take some measurements to figure out hose lengths and clearances. Then I’ll start ordering the components

what is the length? Do you have a recent survey? Hydraulic steering? What autopilot is on it?

I got it figured out. This is going to be easier than I thought. The new hydraulic ram mounts to the steering linkage in the same fashion as the old steering cable. I pull out a cotter pin and loosen the nut on the steering cable, and pull the cable out. Then take the hydraulic ram, extend the rod, push it through where the cable went, and reinstall the cotter pin and tight down the nut on the ram. The factory power assist stays, and isn't altered in any way. I remove the steering wheel, pop the dash, and remove the rack-and-pinion housing. Remove the old helm. and mount the new hydraulic helm, which is MUCH smaller than the old rack. The type 1 pump from Raymarine is easy to install and splice into the system. Routing the hydraulic hoses won't be an issue. I hope this is easy to bleed. I can see that part being a headache.

I have a 2252 witch is very similar to this boat. Awesome boat for erie and Ontario. hope your sale goes through. who did your stringers and transom?

Im highly considering switching the steering is my boat from rack -and-pinion / hydraulic assisted cable steering to a SeaStar hydraulic steering setup. The Raymarine Sportpilot gets the job done, but I don't like how it makes my manual steering feel. The boat is a Bayliner 2252 Express cruiser hard top with a Merc V6 and Alpha 1 outdrive. Seastar gave me the part numbers for the new helm and hydraulic ram. And Im going purchase a Type 1 pump from Raymarine and integrate it into my Raymarine Evolution 200 autopilot electronics. My question for you guys is this...what do I do with the power assisting "pump/pulley" on my motor? I will no longer need it to power the factory "assist cylinder". That gets removed and replaced with the new hydraulic ram. Do I have to remove a pulley or get a smaller belt to remove the factory power assisted steering mechanics?