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(Last Updated On: )Adding steering to your boat is not as simple as installing a steering wheel to the cockpit. A complete steering wheel system is required with all the cables and other components that make a full kit.
The best boat steering system is the Bay Star HK4200A-3, which is used for single station outboard powered boats and comes with all the components and hydraulic fluid for a high-performing steering setup on your boat.
The three main types of boat steering are rack, rotary, power and hydraulic steering with the latter being the most expensive. It’s important to note that some systems may require converting, which will require mechanical knowledge.
Table of Contents
Best Outboard Steering System
| Boat Steering System | Preview | Our Rating |
| Baystar Kit HK4200A-3 |  | 4.9 |
| SeaStar SS147XX |  | 4.8 |
| SeaStar SS141xx |  | 4.8 |
| Mophorn 150HP |  | 4.8 |
| Uflex Rotech |  | 4.7 |
All boats require some sort of steering but some need a more complex setup. Mechanical knowledge is highly advisable if you plan to install a boat steering system yourself but failing that, there are many professionals that will be able to do this.
Hydraulic steering systems for boats are a clear winner but the price can be scary. For simplicity, the rack system is the easiest to install and the rotary is in the middle.
Switching to a more reliable steering system designed for performance will increase your enjoyment of the waters. Below is a list of the best boat steering systems that include hydraulic, rack, rotary and power systems.
Baystar Kit HK4200A-3
The Baystar Steering Kit has automated steering that gives you a degree of comfort. The compact form and affordable price of the steering kit make it an ideal upgrade for mechanically steered boats up to a total of 100HP.
The traditional hydraulic systems may be more than is needed on lower horsepower outboard engines. BayStar is not designed for high speed and high-performance type boats, such as Bass Boats. It also gives 5 wheel turns lock-to-lock when using BayStar outboard cylinders.
The hydraulic steering system will provide easier turning at high and low speeds, which makes overall maneuvering much easier.
A complete kit like this from a trusted brand will also add great resale value to your boat too, which is a reason for many looking to make a quick profit.
Upgrading to a kit like this one is not cheap but certainly a worthwhile investment. The Bay Star is the best hydraulic boat steering system you can buy and has excellent documentation to make installing it easier than expected.
SeaStar SS147XX Rotary Steering System
Rotary is priced in between hydraulic and rack systems and provides excellent maneuvering of the boat. The SeaStar SS147XX is NMMA and ABYC approved and recommended for a range of boats with sizes ranging from 10 to 18 feet.
This rotary steering system uses a patented “no feedback” mechanism with stainless steel cable output ends. It has the ability to comfortable 4.2 turns from lock to lock and has excellent maneuverability for a rotary steering system.
It is suitable for the majority of single-station boats and this kit, in particular, can be installed easily and quickly.
It is the best rotary steering system for your boat and made with high-quality materials such as stainless steel for a long-lasting reliable package.
SeaStar SS141xx Rack Steering System
For those looking for precise yet simple installation of a steering kit, the rack system is the best buy. The SeaStar SS141xx provides an easy four turns lock to lock and the package includes cables, helm, 90-degree bezel, and all the hardware.
Like other SeaStar kits, the cable output ends are made using stainless steel and the whole steering system packages are high quality. You do pay a premium for this but an upgrade steering system for your boat is not something you spend little on.
A rack steering system is the cheapest type you can install to a boat but it does not mean it is not as good. Many people prefer mechanical feel and the simplicity of the installation.
The SeaStar SS141xx is the best rack steering system with everything you need to install a complete system or repair it.
Mophorn 150HP
The Mophorn 150HP hydraulic outboard steering kit marine system is equipped with a built-in two-way locking valve which eliminates rebound torque during torsion.
A high-strenght nylon hose has a quick-fit ¼ pipe fitting for easy installation and multiple re-use.
The high-strength aluminum alloy casing and surface treatment proces will ensure wear resistance and corrosion resistance. This effectively prevents seawater erosion.
The Mophorn pump has a shaft seal that can be easily replaced due to this user-friendly design. The hydraulic pump has compact internal structure and is rated to a maximum of 150 HP.
The hoses and tubes of the Mophorn come with two 20 foot cut-two-length houses which will accommodate most boats.
Uflex Rotech Rotary Steering Kit
The Uflex Rotech is a universal rotary steering system that features a planetary gear design with 6 contact points for enhanced durability, increase efficiency and more positive response.
The main focus of the Rotech design is to reduce the effort required to steer the boat. To do this, there is a wider wear area to reduce the lost motion that all helps towards the ease of maneuverability.
In terms of the installation of this boat steering system, it is a direct swap and it is centered upon the main drive shaft so the helm requires less room behind the dash. There is also no requirement for additional holes that will need to be drilled.
Overall, for those wanting to simply replace their current steering system with a budget and universal alternative, the Uflex Rotech is the best buy.
Boat Steering System Buying Guide
What to Look For in a Steering System?
Upgrading or repairing your boat steering setup is not the cheapest way of spending money on your boat.
As it is costly, it’s important you get the best boat steering system for your money and choosing the correct kit, that be rotary, rack or hydraulic.
Luckily, all of the above come with detailed instructions on how to fit a steering system but many do not. If you have no experience of installing a complete kit, it’s advised to do extensive research prior to the installation.
However, there are many professionals that can fit the kit in less than an hour. Hydraulic systems are known to be the hardest to install whereas the rack is the least complex and time consuming to install.
Different Types of Systems
There are three main types of boat steering systems that include hydraulic, rotary and rack. Many boat owners have their own reasons for choosing the system on their boat but below is a breakdown of each.
The Hydraulic Steering System is are more popular on the mid to high range boats as the pricing is more expensive and high-performance boats require more durability from the additional power and torque.
Hydraulic systems provide effortless steering, quick response from the steering wheel and efficiency and are very popular for those that can afford them.
The mechanical rotary and rack steering systems are fairly easy to install, much cheaper to purchase and fairly durable. Of course, the disadvantage is that there is slightly more effort involved when maneuvering the boat.
Conclusion
Whether you are performing a repair of your current boat system or upgrading to a hydraulic boat steering system, the five noted within this article are the best around.
If you have a performance-based or powerful outboard motor, you really should be going for the hydraulic steering system.
Considering the prices of the steering systems, the prices of the high-quality boat steering wheels are much less and you can upgrade and add value fairly easily.
