Do large outboards need hydraulic steering?

Also Sprach Gregory McGuire <gregory_747.DeleteThis@hotmail.com>:
 > Hi,
 > Prop torque seems to be a factor when turning my wheel. when I turn right,
 > and give it the gas, then it is hard to return the wheel back to left. My
 > engine is 90 HP, on 16 foot boat.

You probably have an economy steering helm installed. The slightly more
expensive ones have a No-Feedback mechanism installed. FWIW, I used to
have a 21' OB with a 200 HP Evinrude.. back in that era, there was no
hydraulic steering for outboards, and it did just fine with a sincle cable
system. However, in this day, I think I'd choose hydraulic steering for
it. Or, you could go the route an aquaintance of mine went, and get a 200
HP outboard with tiller steering. Builds arm mucsles quick!

Dan



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 >> Stay informed about: Do large outboards need hydraulic steering? 

I have a 16ft Bass boat with a 150 Merc. No problem steering at all.

--
Bill
Chesapeake, Va


"tbd" <tbd RemoveThis @invalid.com> wrote in message
news:dJqdnaX93NEVCkLd4p2dnA@wideopenwest.com...
 > I am thinking of buying a Lund with a 150 or 200 hp 4 stroke. The dealer
 > opinions on the necessity of hydraulic steering seem to be based on what
 > they have in stock.
 >
 > I am interested in any real life experiences with larger engines
 > with/without hydraulic steering.
 >
 > Thank you
 >
 ><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Do large outboards need hydraulic steering? 

"IBNFSHN" <Bhile.TakeThisOut@cox.net> wrote in message
news:OF0Ec.32708$cj3.14768@lakeread01...
 > I have a 16ft Bass boat with a 150 Merc. No problem steering at all.
 >
 > --
 > Bill
 > Chesapeake, Va
 >
 >
 > "tbd" <tbd.TakeThisOut@invalid.com> wrote in message
 > news:dJqdnaX93NEVCkLd4p2dnA@wideopenwest.com...
  > > I am thinking of buying a Lund with a 150 or 200 hp 4 stroke. The
dealer
  > > opinions on the necessity of hydraulic steering seem to be based on
what
  > > they have in stock.
  > >
  > > I am interested in any real life experiences with larger engines
  > > with/without hydraulic steering.
  > >
  > > Thank you
  > >
  > >

Lund 1775 with 115, cable steering. If the trim isn't correct it takes
a little force. perfectly acceptable.

del cecchi
 >
 ><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Do large outboards need hydraulic steering? 

None of my boats have ever had hydraulic steering. It is really not a
problem given your situation. Hydraulic will make life a little easier but
not a major factor.
Really depends on the cost difference and if you want to fool w/ the added
maintenance issues.

--
Tony
my boats at <a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://t.thomas.home.mchsi.com" target="_blank">http://t.thomas.home.mchsi.com</a>

"tbd" <tbd.RemoveThis@invalid.com> wrote in message
news:dJqdnaX93NEVCkLd4p2dnA@wideopenwest.com...
 > I am thinking of buying a Lund with a 150 or 200 hp 4 stroke. The dealer
 > opinions on the necessity of hydraulic steering seem to be based on what
 > they have in stock.
 >
 > I am interested in any real life experiences with larger engines
 > with/without hydraulic steering.
 >
 > Thank you
 >
 ><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Do large outboards need hydraulic steering? 

I had hyd. steering on a 150 hp on a BW copy (Gulf Coast). However, the HP
wasn't the deciding factor as to the need for hyd. steering.

It was due to the fact that I had a jack plate, and the engine was way above
the "normal" water position that caused the need for the hyd. steering,
IMHO.
--
RichG manager, Carolina Skiff Owners Group on MSN
<a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://groups.msn.com/CarolinaSkiffOwners" target="_blank">http://groups.msn.com/CarolinaSkiffOwners</a>
"tbd" <tbd RemoveThis @invalid.com> wrote in message
news:dJqdnaX93NEVCkLd4p2dnA@wideopenwest.com...
 > I am thinking of buying a Lund with a 150 or 200 hp 4 stroke. The dealer
 > opinions on the necessity of hydraulic steering seem to be based on what
 > they have in stock.
 >
 > I am interested in any real life experiences with larger engines
 > with/without hydraulic steering.
 >
 > Thank you
 >
 ><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Do large outboards need hydraulic steering? 

Thanks all for your comments. I found a used boat with 90 HP and cable
steering. I should be closing the deal this Wed. Thanks for your replies and
insight.
 >> Stay informed about: Do large outboards need hydraulic steering?