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Hydraulic Steering (390/400)?

YYZRCYYZRC Member Posts: 5,295 ✭✭✭✭✭
in Rinker Express Cruisers Forum
Does the 390/400 come with hydraulic helm with the Merc sterndrives? I don’t mean the hydraulic assist which all sterndrives have. I am referring to a hydraulic helm. 

I am done with the sloppy cable. 

@Dream_Inn hoping you can help !
2008 350 EC on Georgian Bay
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  • PickleRickPickleRick Member Posts: 4,121 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited July 15
    I've seen retrofit kits.   One is full hydraulic and the other hydraulic with power assist.  

    The fully hydraulic is the helm controls the steering arm, you delete all power steering. 

    The other is the helm replaces the push/pull cable, keep power steering and an arm moves the mercruiser arm. Hydraulic power assist.

    Seastar makes these although I think they also operate under a different name as well. 

    With all the throttle by wire technology I'm shocked there's not electric over hydraulic conversion where a 12v actuator moves your power steering assisted ram.  The steering wheel could be replaced with an Atari joystick.... hopefully with better results than the Titan sub
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  • Dream_InnDream_Inn Member, Moderator Posts: 7,740 mod
    Sorry, must've been still recovering from Rinkervous.  I don't believe the 400 is any different than the others.  Still have the power steering unit on the motor.

    I agree with Rick.  I love my DTS!

    Dream 'Inn III -- 2008 400 Express

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  • YYZRCYYZRC Member Posts: 5,295 ✭✭✭✭✭
    @Dream_Inn I thought the 390/400 has a hydraulic helm? My 350 is cable with a rack. 
    2008 350 EC on Georgian Bay
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  • Dream_InnDream_Inn Member, Moderator Posts: 7,740 mod
    YYZRC said:
    @Dream_Inn I thought the 390/400 has a hydraulic helm? My 350 is cable with a rack. 
    Yes, it is hydraulic.  Sorry, had it so long I forgot what others had 😀

    Dream 'Inn III -- 2008 400 Express

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  • PickleRickPickleRick Member Posts: 4,121 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Dream_Inn said:
    Sorry, must've been still recovering from Rinkervous.  I don't believe the 400 is any different than the others.  Still have the power steering unit on the motor.

    I agree with Rick.  I love my DTS!
    It is nice but takes some getting used to.  Having the mechanical throttle/shift for, as far back as memory can support, and going to DTS you accidentally give too much throttle the first few times you use it.    You tell the rental guys yeah I've been boating since before Weezer or Nirvana released an album and then you stomp the throttle like it's a Miami cigar boat poker run getting off the dock.
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  • rmrstlmormrstlmo Member Posts: 233 ✭✭✭
    I have a 2006 390.  It must be hydraulic because it is really easy to turn the wheel.  So much so that have to hold the steering wheel with my knee when backing into my slip.  If I don't hold the steering wheel the force of the drives (fwd/rev) will turn the steering wheel.  My first few docking attempts didn't go well until I figured out what was happening.

    Ray

    2006 390

    Previous 2000 340

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  • PickleRickPickleRick Member Posts: 4,121 ✭✭✭✭✭
    If you have a hydraulic helm you most likely have a little rubber cap/plug on the top side of the base to add fluid.  

    About two seasons ago my cousins bass boat had the cable lock. He was asking about getting new cables made. For about the same price he got a seastar hydraulic retrofit kit.   He absolutely loves it.   


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