I have a 97 Nitro 18 ft bass boat and the steering is getting hard to turn. I was wondering if anyone upgraded their steering cables to a hydraulic helm steering setup. If so do you recommend this setup. Any other options available for upgrading the factory dual cable setup? Thanks for any input.

Yes its worth it IMO. Its under a grand and a do it yourself project if you are comfortable working with tools.

You can also change the parts and go with another dual cable steering set up for around half of hydraulic.

look around for a used set. they usually sell for about $600 for the complete setup. you just missed out on this one which was priced pretty low.

http://www.bbcboards.net/motor-parts/604188-sea-star-pro-hydraulic-steering.html

just a tip..when buying used hydraulic (or most anything used) steering, Caveat emptor.. let the buyer beware

most times you will have to deal with rust and other things that the seller will say, "it wasn't that way when I took it off 2 years ago"..for not much more you can get new..if you have a problem with a used one, the oil gets expensive real quick...
and yes the hydraulic is worth it...

Go new, you only save a couple hundred if you go used and then you will more than likely have to overhaul the used one.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Teleflex-HK6400A...=item54009055a2

Pay extra for Seastar avoid the temptation of the cheaper Baystar!
And yes there is nothing better!

Why would someone be selling a used system? Be very careful about used steering components!

This^^^^^


Save for new or replace your cables

Buy New!
Bay star is fine for 150 HP and below.
Let me know if I can help!

I bought a brand name zero feedback rotary system recently for same boat (teleflex)....paid $220 delivered and my mechanic changed it out for $100......it's so effortless I can't imagine needing better

Either way, fix the steering right. Don't cut corners when it comes to control and safety.