I am looking at upgrading to hydrolic steering and I can't decide between the Baystar and Seastar. This is going on a 18' 150HP 55-60 mph boat that currently has a very outdated single cable system. Money is always a top consideration, but what is the difference between the Bay and Sea? I'm not a speed junkie who drives on the edge, but it seems like half of what I read recommends the Seastar for 150HP and the other half says Baystar?!? The extra couple hundred bucks for the upgrade might make the difference between getting it now or waiting...

I bought the Baystar for my 21' 150hp boat. Whichever one you get you are going to love the difference.
I went thru the same questions you had.
All I can tell you is 4 years and no problems with the Baystar.

I put a BayStar on my 18.10 boat with a 175--They say not to go over a 150, but I have had no problems with mine (two years)..The torque of the bigger motor is the reason to use SeaStar. I drive mine hard, but not a "speed junkie " either..so you should not have any problems with the BayStar..I would make sure you get a kit with the HC5345 Cylinder ,instead of the older HC4600..
Like moss says, you will love it.

Thanks for the info. I think it will be Baystar!

This brings me to my next question. This is going on a '89 Evinrude 150XP. Teleflex's website says that it needs a HC4648H cylinder. I have found this online (HC4645H) http://www.boatstoreusa.com/productdetail.asp?ProductID=2 that is about the best price I can find on the net. It says that it will fit most spashwells if they are 21" x 5" which mine is. Kingdad, you recommend the CH5345? What is the difference between all of these cylinders?

well now, I don't know where I got that number ,
but the kit you found has the updated Cly,
so thats the one you want..and a good price..

the only thing hard about this is making the hole in you dash bigger for the helm--mine was gel-coat and it was hard to get a hole saw started ..if you have the room a jig or sawsall would be easier..

so you think the 4645 will work even thought the teleflex chart says 4648? I'm not sure of the difference between the two...

so you think the 4645 will work even thought the teleflex chart says 4648? I'm not sure of the difference between the two...

I went to Teleflex and you are correct, up to 1990 you use the HC4648--after 1990 its the HC4645- I don't know what the difference would be, but I wouldn't buy, untill I call Teleflex and ask them..phone number-604-270-6899 or Fax 604-279-2202
or email : info@teleflex.bc.ca

also that HC5345 number is the SeaStar number for '90 and up, not baystar--..

Awesome, you have been a tremendous help. Thanks again. I will contact teleflex and see what they have to say.