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Didn't know that sorry? It was a Baystar set up. Sorry for dumb question but what's the difference? I know nothing about the boat yet, just got it end of last year. Still learning. Thank you for the info so far
It might help to understand pontoon steering terminology.
Cable and pulley steering - the original outboard motor steering solution. A combination of thin cables and small pulleys that somewhat reduced steering effort (due to the pulley effect). It probably hasn't been installed as OEM for 40 (or more) years.
Cable steering - a single cable housed in a sheath. No reduction in steering effort required, just a better arrangement than cable and pulley. Still installed today in low horsepower applications (below 50 horse or so).
Hydraulic steering - Presently installed in most pontoons above 50 horsepower as OEM. DOES NOT reduce steering effort; mostly helps the motor stay on center and reduce wandering. The presence of a hydraulic cylinder on the motor mount is evidence of this kind of system. I'd wager a guess that 90% of present day pontoon boats are so equipped with hydraulic steering and the most common product names are Baystar or Seastar. Only the Seastar system can be electrically assisted.
Electric power assist - Available as an option and usually piggybacked with the Seastar hydraulic system. This is the only system so far on this list that actually reduces the input necessary to turn the boat. Hydraulic alone? Nope. Electric over hydraulic? Yes. Do not ASSume that your boat has power steering if it is equipped with hydraulic steering.
Internal power steering - This system is factory installed on high horsepower outboards and most I/O installations. On outboards, the system in completely self-contained and uses no external electric motor. On an I/O installation, the pump is attached to the engine block and turned by a pulley, just like the power steering pump on an automobile (which makes sense because most I/O motors are automobile engine-based).
Corrections or clarifications welcomed. I'm currently on the DL for a week or so due to a lacerated finger and stitches (not boating acquired), so I may have some time to add photos to help further explain the differences in these systems.
Ok update. My boat just has cable steering. Guy at the dock looked at it and said to buy complete kit with steering box and cables. He said it prob needs everything or will need everything eventually. Now is that a sea star set up or bay star set up? Trying to figure out my options.....thank you for the help so far. You guys a HUGE help.
I installed a baystar system in my boat went from cable to it. Took about an hr from start to finish.
The hard part was removing the stuck cable. And the old steering wheel it was stuck. I have a Bennington 2275 cs
With 90 hp. For my use I got baystar works great and a tad cheaper.