Boat Steering & Engine Control

Hydraulic Steering Systems FAQ’s

Hydraulic Steering Cylinders

What are the new -3 cylinders all about?

The -3 cylinders mount the exact same as the older ones, have the same volume and output. We have gone to a fully anodized aluminum parts, and to ORB hose fittings in the cylinder body.

I continue to wear out seals, or the seals that I have previously installed?

There are several reasons why seals will leak, even after a repair has been made previously.  The most common fault is a damaged steering cylinder shaft, or, an installation that is not done properly, leading to more stress on a seal.  To ensure that your cylinder is re-sealed correctly we recommend contacting one of our Authorized Repair Centers to assist with the repair. Authorized Repair Centers

I just re-rigged with new engine(s), can I re-use my old cylinder? If so, what is the part number for the extension plates?

SeaStar Solutions does NOT make engine extension plates for any engine newer than a 2004. If your current cylinder is an HC5340, HC5340-42 or an HC5342, you will need to update the steering cylinder and tiebar with current models. Please see “Outboard Section”

When should I use the Outboard Tournament Cylinders?

If your boat is driven in an aggressive manor, used in tournaments, then you should be using the tournament cylinders. Please go to the SeaStar Outboard section for further information

I need to convert my outboard pivot cylinder into a different model, how do I do this?

This type of conversion is to be completed by one of our repair centers only. 

What causes the outboard front mount cylinder seals to leak?

I find that almost all the time, the support rod is ready to seize up in the tilt tube, because someone has failed to clean and grease it. Please do this at least ONCE a year, it WILL save you money.

I read that there is a PRO cylinder being offered by SeaStar? What is this?

You are right. SeaStar PRO cylinder has better seals and bushings to reduce wear caused by the higher horsepower engines. No worries, the old cylinder is still adequate.

I have a brand new HC5345 but I need a different cylinder for my engine, what do I do?

Please contact us via e-mail to find out your options. Do not try to make the cylinder fit.

Can I use power purge jr. with dual cylinders?

Yes. you will need to purchase kit #HA5461. It comes complete with instructions.

Hydraulic Steering Power Assist

My “OUTBOARD” boat, with triple engines is very hard to steer, what can I do?

Power Assist is your best option. Engines have become much heavier, have a much higher output and much more torque than previous, SeaStar Power Assist will make your steering very easy to turn, regardless of the horse power.

My “INBOARD” boat is very hard to turn at higher speeds, will the SeaStar Power Assist cure this?

In short “Maybe”. Your steering system may be undersized, this requires much more effort to turn the wheel. SeaStar Power Assist will “help”, however if the cylinder is undersized your best option may be to increase the size of the cylinder providing more “force” to move the rudder(s) over.

I just saw a product called DC Power…what is that?

This DC Power will replace the conventional, engine driven power steering that you see on large boats. Contact SeaStar Solutions for more information.

I keep blowing fuses in my SeaStar Power Assist System, what can I do to cure this?

Part # HA1206 can be ordered to cure this. This is a 50A, MAXI fuse. NOTE: All current Power Assist Units utilize this same, MAXI fuse

Hydraulic Steering General

What autopilot pumps work within your steering systems?

We have no preference of a/p makes. Mostly, ALL will work without issue in our systems.

What, When and How do I perform maintenance on my steering system?

BEFORE EVERY TRIP
* Check fluid level in helm pump
* Check hoses to ensure that they are in good condition.
* Turn steering wheel hard over to hard over.

My BayStar system is really hard to turn, almost harder than cable steering…?

BayStar is rated to 150HP MAX (transom rating). Pontoon boats and Bass boats will likely be hard when using BayStar, as this is the taking the BayStar system to its maximum. SeaStar will make the system easier to turn, and, you have the option to add SeaStar Power Assist.

How much do your items cost?

You must contact your local Distributor for this information, we only sell through our Distributors.

I have been trying to bleed my Catamaran for serveral days now, I can’t get the air out, what gives?

These are tricky. Please go to the download section of this site and download book No. 9.1. This is the only way to bleed the system.

What kind of maintenance should be performed on my steering system?

Not too much really. Check the fluid level, just as often as you check you cars. Most important, GREASE THE TILT TUBE on your outboard engines.

I called to leave a voice mail, but the message said that you will call back in 24 hours, I don’t have that much time?

The 24 hour message is just to let customers know that during busy season, it may take that long. We try our hardest to get back within a couple hours, sit tight, we will call.

I just ordered a seal kit and tried to get a spanner wrench, the part you call for is not a real part #.

Any Spanner Pin wrench from any mfg will work, be sure that the wrench has the following specs. Adjustable from .75″ to 3″ Has a 1/8″ Pin.

Fluid keeps coming out of my vent cap, what is going on?

Could be the o’ring is broken, or the plug has been over tightened and damaged. Send an email to us and we will send you a new one.

My older Hynautic or Capilano system is starting to get really hard to turn, what shall I check first?

We find that many of the times the steering cylinder is frozen in the cylinder body, to check this, remove the steering lines and try to push the cylinder, if you can’t move it, replace it.

Does adjusting the torque tab on an outboard really make it steer easier to Port?

Actually YES. I have felt it myself. Of course if your prop is out of the water, so will the tab. Stiff steering will happen if the prop is not totally submerged under water.

Can I add a second steering station to my BayStar steering system?

No. BayStar is a single engine single station steering system.

Who can rebuild my Hydraulic Steering parts (SeaStar Solutions, Haynutic or Capilano)?

We only recommend that one of our Authorized Repair Centers perform any repair work on our products. Authorized Repair Centers

I want to repair my Hydraulic Steering product, does the factory do repairs?

In most cases YES. We are the factory so a turn around time cannot be guarenteed. Please see next question for other repair partners.

Can I use my master spoke or centered steering wheel with a SeaStar system?

Due to a small amount of internal hydraulic slip these style steering wheels should not be used. For best results use an equal distance wheel.

Outboard hose is too long, can I cut it down?

NO! You CANNOT cut SeaStar outboard hoses. Take up the slack under the dash, or anywhere else, once that hose is cut, it is garbage.

Who can work on my Hydraulic Steering?

For service work, any “qualified” marine technician should be well trained in the service of your system.  For repairs of hydraulic components we only recommend that you contact one of our Authorized Repair Centers. Authorized Repair Centers

What is that clear tube that goes from bleeder to bleeder on my steering cylinder?

That is a tool for bleeding. Simply put one end on the bleeder that you are working on, and the other end in a clean container.

Can I mix and Match Hynautic with SeaStar steering systems?

In most cases you can, please contact us via e-mail with what you are looking to do, and we can assist you with all the details.

I just installed the new BayStar steering system and it seems heavier to steer than a SeaStar, is this normal?

If you know that it has been bled good, and there is no other restriction then this is normal. BayStar is a smaller version of the SeaStar and will feel slightly heavier to steer.

How do I know I have all the air out of my system?

Refer to your owners manual. Having the correct amount of wheel turns hard over to hard over is a good sign the system is free of air.

Where is the part number?

Good question! If you need to contact us and see no numbers of any kind, please have as many measurments ready for when we ask. Any number in the system will help us help you.

How often should I check my fluid?

I like to say ALWAYS, it is simple to check, and it is your steering. The best time is as soon as you step on board BEFORE touching the steering wheel. Fill if needed.

I’m leaking fluid out of my shaft seal on my helm pump, can I change this myself?

It is fairly easy to replace. Confirm the year of your pump, and go to the Replacement parts page, there you will find the proper seal kit. This can be changed in minutes.

Is SeaStar taking care of Hynautic Hydraulic Engine Controls?

SeaStar Solutions (us) have assumed support of the Hynautic Hydraulic Controls. Please direct your questions to us.

Can I get a Tilt helm in my outboard steering kit?

At this time, no. We only offer the Outboard Pro and Standard kits with the Standard front mounting helm, front mount pivot cylinder, two lengths of hose and two bottles of SeaStar Steering fluid.

My BayStar Steering system tubing says rated for 140HP, but my engine is 150HP, can I use this hose?

Yes. The hose will work with the BayStar 150HP (total) system.

What’s the best way for you to help me?

The best way is via e-mail from this site, we ask that if you are plannning on e-mailing us through this site, please provide all(if any) part numbers off of your system, this saves time.

I heard that SeaStar Solutions is now taking care of Hynautic Hydraulic Steering, is this true?

Yes. We here at SeaStar Solutions are doing our best to give ALL of the Hynautic customers the same support we give SeaStar customers, this web site will be updated with Hynautic information shortly.

Where can I find an owners manual for my Hydraulic Steering System?

You can locate and print off you owners manual on this site by going to the site map and locating the DOWNLOADABLE PDF files.

My outboard steering is fine at the dock but becomes hard underway. Is this normal?

Adjust Torque Tab on motor to offset prop torque. Adjust trim tabs so that boat runs level. Trim out your engine. Eliminate air by purging the system.

I have a boat fitted with Sytten Steering. Can I get a seal kit for the Helm Pump and a mounting foot/seal kit for the BA135-7BJ cylinder.

The Sytten System was obsoleted in 1984. We no longer have “any” parts available. Your Helm Pump can be replaced with HH5271 & HA5418. The cylinder should be replaced with HC5313 & HA5425.

Can I substitute Transmission Fluid (ATF) for the recommended SeaStar Fluid?

In Emergencies only. ATF will void the warranty and decrease the efficiency of the steering system. SeaStar Steering Fluid can be replaced by any Hydraulic fluid with Mil Spec H5606.

Where can I purchase SeaStar Product and parts?

SeaStar Solutions sells through an established distributor network. Consult your local Marine retailer, dealer or check your yellow pages.

I have a front mount hydraulic outboard cylinder, part # HC5340-42 that has developed a leak. Should I replace the entire cylinder or will a seal kit work?

A seal kit will NOT work if there is any damage to the steering cylinder shaft that will not allow a new seal to seal.  To ensure that the cylinder is repaired properly we recommend contacting one of our Authorized Repair Centers to assist with the repair. Authorized Repair Centers

Hydraulic Steering Helms

I have an older Traditional Style Tilt helm, I see that this has been replaced?

This is correct. We have recently launched the new “Classic Tilt”, and this helm will replace ALL Traditional Tilt helms. Your hoses and cylinder will work just fine. The new Classic Tilts have a different style (in regards to cosmetics), and also comes with the newly designed Tilt Mechanism (much better than the previous).

What is the replacement part number for the Tilt Mechanism only?

We offer two models, as follows;
* HA6123 for sport tilt helms (soft rubber boot)
* HA6523 for Traditional and Classic Tilt (hard plastic covers).

I have noticed that the SeaStar helm cover looks different than the old helms..?

This is the new cover for the SeaStar helm pump. Only the cover has changed, you will still enjoy the easy, most reliable steering on the market today. YES – it will work with older helms as well.

I see that the BayStar helm that I just purchase is metal and not a composite like my older one…..why did you do that?

When it came time to re-tool for this product, SeaStar Solutions made several updates and improvements to the BayStar helm, one of which was the metal cover. This will work with all older parts on board your boat. NOTE: You will need to drill out 4 mounting holes for the new helm (the older one had 3).

I have an older model pump and want to install a new SeaStar Tilt helm, what adapters will I need?

Unfortunately you cannot retrofit a tilt helm into the old cut out without filling in the hole in your dash and re drilling.

When the weather is sunny and hot Oil leaks out of my fill and vent cap. What is the Cause?