SEA STAR HYDRAULIC STEERING Question

I’ve been doing my research on which Seastar Helm Pump to get for my single engine application. It seems there is 3 choices, (plus 3 more in the “PRO” category, higher pressure, which I don’t believe I need).
Anyway the 3 choices are the:
1.7 HH5271 (5.? turns Lock-to-Lock) OR
2.0 HH5273 (4.? turns L-to-L) OR
2.4 HH5272 (3.3 turns L-to-L)
(All with a HC5345 cylinder for my Mercury application)

To make a long story short the 1.7/2.0/2.4 refers to their pumping ability, which is inverse to the number of turns lock to lock i.e. the higher the number, the faster the motor moves, but the more force it takes, and I suppose the less finite precision you have. I am thinking the 2.4 would be too fast, leaving the 1.7 or 2.0 in the running.

So, my question is for those who have experience, or even an opinion, which helm would you consider best for a single engine 200hp on an 18 foot boat?
Your advice would be appreciated.

 

I believe I went with the 2.4. Works great. Easier to do quick lock to lock turns for ATB's. Still has enough steering power to palm the wheel all the way around. Do it.

 

And you have a single engine application?

 

I also went with the 2.4 on my 18 footer with a 250XS Merc Optimax.
Like River Rat says : "Do It "......

The control you get is awsum. I too when researching it thought it might
be too touchy, but it isn't.

Bob

 

Correct, single engine. It has, so far, handled (all E-tec's) a 200HO, a 175, and now a 150 HO just swimmingly. Starting on it's 5th season of life now.

 

Thanks Guys, 2.4 was Jim's original recommendation, guess I should have stopped there. 2.4 it is. I think I will spend the extra and get PRO though, I like the idea of the higher pressure.

 

The PRO models have a higher setting on the pressure relief valve (I believe 1500 vs. 1000 psi?). This really only affects at what point the motor can be turned without the wheel turning. At speeds expected to be seen by a round bottom hull, this really does not matter. Even on twins and triples, I have not noticed a need for the higher pressure system.

I am not telling you not to do it. Just giving my personal opinion. You could save the extra cash for some other nice trinket, while not affecting the performance of your steering system at all.

 

All input/opinions welcome, thanks! My source only wants $80 more for the PRO which isn't much in terms of total cost, but still, if I can save $80 it's worth considering. It's funny, some of the Seastar literature suggests PRO is the way to go for my application, while other Seastar literature suggests the normal 2.4 is sufficient. I'll be confirming my measurements this weekend and ordering next week, so I'll have to decide by then.

 

I just ordered the 2.4 and am anxiously awating its arrival today. teleflex said the pro isnt necessary for boats this size. my 350 is probably over 300hp. i will see tomorrow how it works. :yahoo: