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14’ RIB - Replace Steering Cable Or Upgrade To Hydraulic?

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by DOCKMASTER, Nov 4, 2024.

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  1. DOCKMASTER, Nov 4, 2024
    #1
    DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    I have a 2016 14’ Novurania with a 60 hp Yamaha I carry on the bow. Absolutely love the little boat. However, the steering is stiffer than a virgin on his wedding night. I tried pumping some lithium grease in but that did little. I know the boat sat for a long period before I bought it. So I’m debating on replacing the steering cable or doing an upgrade to a hydraulic kit. The cable is less than $200 where the SeaStar Baystar kit is right at $1k. I know these steering cables are basically a wear part that have to be changed regularly. I’m just not sure how often with proper greasing and maintenance? I’m leaning toward just doing the hydraulic upgrade for a one and done. The install of the hydraulic kit looks pretty straight forward. Thoughts and input appreciated.
  2. Pascal, Nov 4, 2024
    #2
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    I upgraded a walker bay 15 to hydraulic a few years ago. What a difference !! Would never buy a tender with cable steering again.

    it was a pain to convert it because there was not enough room for the ram and I had to do some glass work but well worth it.
  3. DOCKMASTER, Nov 5, 2024
    #3
    DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    I'm not surprised to hear the hydraulic is much better. I don't think I'll have clearance issues for the ram so should be pretty straight forward install.
  4. Capt J, Nov 5, 2024
    #4
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Hydraulic. But your pivot tube on the outboard might be seized with old grease.
    Robertoman likes this.
  5. DOCKMASTER, Nov 8, 2024
    #5
    DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    I went ahead and ordered the SeaStar Baystar hydraulic kit. Installation looks pretty straightforward. I figured by the time I take the cable steering apart, clean all the old grease, install a new cable and such I might as well just install the hydraulic. This will be a better system and less maintenance in the future. Thanks for all the input.
  6. David Helsom, Nov 9, 2024
    #6
    David Helsom

    David Helsom Senior Member

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    Swapped out cable for hydraulic on our 14’ Gala with a 50hp on it, total game changer! You’ll be beyond pleased.
    DOCKMASTER likes this.
  7. incoming, Jan 19, 2025
    #7
    incoming

    incoming Active Member

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    Realize you’ve probably completed this job already but I had the same tender with the same motor. Loved it. Lots of fun. Fast boat. Used to pull the kids on the tube, think I even waterskied my daughter at one point.

    Anyway, I changed out the steering cable and it made a huge difference just having a new one. But I always was fighting the prop torque at the helm. It was fatiguing after a while. Curious if the hydraulic upgrade fixes that?
  8. DOCKMASTER, Jan 19, 2025
    #8
    DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    Still in the deep freeze of winter so my boat and tender are hibernating in their cozy winter den. Ask me again after the spring thaw :):)
  9. David Helsom, Jan 19, 2025
    #9
    David Helsom

    David Helsom Senior Member

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    Still the best upgrade I've made to the tender to date.