Baystar

This ain't fishing related really. Saturday night while I was out fishing I started feeling a popping when I turned to port. Got worse as the night went on and finally while loading the boat I lost port side turning completely. Only steers starboard now. I could feel the popping in the metal case underneath the steering wheel.

I have yet to take it apart but started looking for replacement parts and there's none to be found for a 1996 kenner 18. I have always hated the mechanical steering and wanted to go hydraulic. Nows my chance. Does anyone have experience with the baystar kit? Is it a good one or is there a better one for a "Do It Yourself'er"?

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Give the Boat Dr a call
Mike Wilhite
918-473-7792

Call the guy Ranger suggested. Think it depends on motor size. Doing research and talking with guys who have gone hydraulic, seems the BayStar lends itself to lighter duty applications.

My boat only has a 130. Was the highest rated size for that specific model of kenner boat back when it was brand new. Baystar site and manual says baystar is rated up to 150. Seastar is rated for 150-300.

My only concerns where with the longevity of the unit since it comes in a kit. Was hoping someone else had already taken the $600 plunge years ago and could attest to how well, or not well, it has lasted over the years?

After posting this I did a bunch more research on online reviews and it seems the general consensus is an average life expectancy without trouble is around 3 to 5 years. Parts start wearing out and leaks start happening around that time but every part can be reodered.

I'm really leary of calling a boat mechanic for anything other than a motor that won't run because those guys don't work for free and so far I have resolved all my used boat problems by looking up how to do stuff online and doing it myself. Have completely rewired my boat, rewired my trailer, replaced the lights and winch on the trailer, installed my new simrad, repaired damaged keel, added new lightbar and running lights, put in a new livewell pump and bilge pump... all from instructions on the net and it works great.

I think I'm gonna buy this baystar and give it a whirl.

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Actually about the only thing to wear out is seals and usually those that go are on the ram. This is just me but were I spending that kind of money think I would just go ahead and by a repair kit and put it up. That way I'd know I had one when and if the need arose.

I ended up going with the beefier version, the Seastar rated for 150-300 instead of the baystar. Everything I read said it was a much better system and I want that one finger steering ability versus the two hands and tired arms with mechanical. It was more expensive though.

Installing soon as it arrives in the mail.

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Ordering issues with the Seastar so I ended up going with the Baystar.

Installed it today. Removing the mechanical system, was a nightmare. Took half a day to get it all out but parts of it hadn't been touched I'm guessing since it was new in 1997. Good thing I gutted it too the cable was hanging on by a hair inside the tubing in the middle under the deck. It would have broke soon.

Installing the kit was cake. It don't have one finger steering , more like three finger but it's 1000% better and easier than mechanical.

Well worth the price tag in my opinion. Had I known then (when I bought the boat back in February) what I know now... it would have been my first upgrade. Seriously, that much of an improvement.

Now to see how long it holds up. This is bookmarked so I'll post again if I have problems later on.

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My experience with Seastar Customer Service has been second to none. I do not know the ordering problems, but i do know that they have great after the sale customer service. I will buy another unit from them because of this. The make a steering assist to make all steering one finger. That is if you need to bust out another thousand. haha

Ordering problems was I put in my order then a couple hours later the wife got on my rear for not also ordering a tube and knee board for the kids so I had to go back to the less costly baystar to afford those.

Amazon prime let's you cancel so long as you do so before it ships.

Wasn't baystar/seastar related at all.

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