Hydraulic Steering

I’m looking for information about adding hydraulic steering to my 1800 pro-v tiller that has a 90 yamaha….looking for pros and cons why I should or shouldn’t do this. I’ve heard there are different systems available, but not knowledgeable about the options. Any info is greatly appreciated.

I don’t think true power hydraulic steering is an option for you any longer as Merten Power Steering sold the power hydraulic steering part of his business to Mercury and they developed their Big Tiller Steering System from it. You may be able to find a dealer that bought some power tiller steering hydraulic units before Merten sold out to Mercury but that may be difficult as most of these dealers are hanging onto these to rig on large tiller boats that will have a motor other than a Mercury on them.

The best option for you with a 90 HP motor is probably the Titan Steering system, which was also developed by Merten. This system is not a full powered system but it has the same principles of the power system in that a hydraulic pump locks the motor in place taking much if not all of the torque away. The Titan has gotten very good reviews on some of the other websites that have had specific discussions regarding steering systems. I would suggest calling Tim Merten at (920) 231-6751 and he can fill you in on all the specifics.

I have the full power version on my 150 tiller and it has been great.

As of a couple of weeks ago, there was still a fairly substantial # of full-power Enginesteer systems available thru Merten Marine. But, as the other poster indicated, the non-power Mertens “Titan” system will do just fine on your 90. It’s what I have on my 75 Optimax. Save you some $$$ too. Give Tim Merten a call to discuss your options.
HRG

i’ve noticed in the new lund catalog that they list a boats HP Rating with standard tiller and with Hydraulic assist. does the assist allow the horespower to be rated up like a remote steering??????

Quote:

---

i’ve noticed in the new lund catalog that they list a boats HP Rating with standard tiller and with Hydraulic assist. does the assist allow the horespower to be rated up like a remote steering??????

---

If the boat is under 20 feet long it doesn’t matter if it’s normal tiller steering or hydraulic the rating is the same. If the boat is over 20 feet long the manufacturer can put whatever size motor they would like on the boat. So its not the same as remote steering with the HP ratings. So for example the new Lund 2075 Pro V is rated by Lund for 135 without Power Steering and for 250 HP with Power Steering. They are determining themselves that they won’t rig anything over 135 HP without power steering, even though the Coast Guard says you can have as big of a motor as you want if the boat is over 20 feet.

All of the tiller Lund Boats under 20 feet have just one HP rating because it doesn’t matter if there is hydraulic steering or not.

I’ve got the Titan system.

Well worth the money.

Long runs in big waves – no arm fatigue.

You take your hand off the tiller and it doesn’t move.

I’ve had it for a couple of years now and I don’t think I’d own a bigger tiller without it.

Thanks for the advice….I’m going to go with the Titan system.