Hydraulic Steering on 20SF

[michaelgon]

Decided I've had enough with the back and arm work-out each time I take a boat ride steering the old 200 merc with straight cable steering. I have been looking into the Seastar hydraulic system however I am not sure about the clearence of the hydraulic ram when in full lock to either direction within the engine well.

Is this something that is going to pose a problem? Is there a specific brand and or model that I should be looking for?

thanks!

[Old'sCool]

The rod is fixed and the cyl. travels on the rod. So basically rod nut to rod nut is the longest measurement.

[Blue197320]

ive got seastar on my 20 with the same motor. ill take a picture of it tomorrow for you. im gonna start getting it ready for this weekend.

[hermco]

A front mount cyll. should work fine. See the specs on their website, Sea Star

[Blue_Heron]

Decided I've had enough with the back and arm work-out each time I take a boat ride steering the old 200 merc with straight cable steering.

You'll be glad you made the change. The Seastar cylinder will fit. Uflex will work, too.
Dave

[Blue197320]

here are the pics of the seastar installed on my 20 with the 200 blackmax. its the best. totally worth every penny. i can help you install too, very easy.

[Blue_Heron]

How bad is the rust on the steering arm on that old Black Max? Merc made two different steering arms for the 2.4 and 2.5 V6s. If you've got the thinner one, you really need to watch the rust. The end will eventually rust right off. Happened to a friend of mine. Fortunately, he was at the ramp when it happened, not 20 miles offshore. The steering arm is one piece with the swivel pin and you have to pull the powerhead to replace the part. Pretty expensive unless you can find a good used one and do it yourself. So, an ounce of prevention...
Dave

[Blue197320]

thanks for the heads up. i will keep an eye on it.

[TonyH]

I did some measuring years ago. I am pretty sure you will have an interference issue when engine is fully tilted and the whole power steering assembly drops deeper into the narrowing Well. That's the way it is on my '70 Center console anyway