Dumb steering ?

Mine was hard, I checked fluid and was low added. Still hard....

I have not bleed it though. But don’t feel pops or bubbles
 
I'm new to my 2002 340 DA. As others mentioned, mine steers easily at low speed and like a truck at high speed. In my case the PO added an autopilot. I guess he figured might as well go BIG. Steering is now effortless, aside from programing the course.

Could you let me know what Autopilot was installed? What was the PS that was installed as well.
Thanks in advance.
 
Could you let me know what Autopilot was installed? What was the PS that was installed as well.
Thanks in advance.

The autopilot was one component that was installed with all new Garmin avionics. The helm steering is hydraulic but does not have any kind of power assist. To be honest, I haven't examined how the autopilot works, but I assume there was a hydraulic pump added into the system to control steering when the autopilot is engaged.
 
Picked up my 330 Sundancer end of the season a year ago and found out this summer how hard it is to steer when up on plane. Had hydraulic steering on my 381 Chris and it was easy with zero effort. Now have cable steering and when on plane it is very hard to turn, almost scary at times when manuvering around other boats. Decided to add hydraulic steering over the winter and now trying to source all the parts based on the Sea Ray parts manual. I've managed to get the helm pump and cylinder but need to go up and measure for the correct length of lines to order. I'm not able to find the tie bar with tab welded on yet, was thinking about having one welded on my current tie bar but would rather find one already done and ready for install? Other than paying Sea Ray for this part is there anyone that knows where we can purchase one at a reasable price?
Thanks in advance!!
 
I posted an identical thread about steering right after I put the boat in the water and drove it for the first time. The other thing that bugged me is the fancy steering wheel on my 320 is always 90-180 degrees out of alignment as far as the wood portion of the wheel being on top. This is just another quirk that goes with hydraulic steering. As a result I always check my SmartCraft rudder indicator to make sure it's in the 0 position when going out of my slip and when I head into the marina channel for docking.
I believe if the hub of the wheel is removed there are 6 screws that can be removed and the wheel can be reclocked. I did it on my 01 290 Sundancer
 
Picked up my 330 Sundancer end of the season a year ago and found out this summer how hard it is to steer when up on plane. Had hydraulic steering on my 381 Chris and it was easy with zero effort. Now have cable steering and when on plane it is very hard to turn, almost scary at times when manuvering around other boats. Decided to add hydraulic steering over the winter and now trying to source all the parts based on the Sea Ray parts manual. I've managed to get the helm pump and cylinder but need to go up and measure for the correct length of lines to order. I'm not able to find the tie bar with tab welded on yet, was thinking about having one welded on my current tie bar but would rather find one already done and ready for install? Other than paying Sea Ray for this part is there anyone that knows where we can purchase one at a reasable price?
Thanks in advance!!
Can you post your specific purchased parts list once you are done? I have considered this update for years. My 330 is also cable steering. So if yours makes a good improvement, I may do the same.
 
I can do that, do you think I should start a new thread "Converting a 330 DA to hydraulic steering" or just add to this one?

Parts List:
  • SeaStar HH6541-3 Classic 1.7 Tilt Helm (www.seatechmarineproducts.com)
  • SeaStar HC5313-3 Inboard BA135-7ATM Hydraulic Cylinder (SeaTech)
  • SeaStar 90 degree pivot elbows Model#16275190 (West Marine)
  • SeaStar Hydraulic Nylon Tubing 50' Model#4732111 (West Marine)
  • SeaStar Hydraulic Steering Fluid Qty:2 quarts (West Marine)
Only part left is the tie bar tab, would like to buy one already done but may have to weld a tab on my current tie bar? That is the last part needed to finish this much needed upgrade (I hope!) It would be great if someone could post a close up of how their hydaulic cylinder is a attached at the bracket end or stringer? Still unclear on how it attaches to the boat.

BTW, the 1.4 helm and BA125 cylinder is what came from the factory but it was borderline for a 33' boat, ratings had it at 32' so I opted to go one size bigger on helm pump (1.7) and cylinder because that is how I am;)
 
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Seastar steering may need to be purged of any air in the system and it's not hard to do with the proper kit. This youtube video shows the process on an outboard, but the process should be the same for your 340.


Hope this helps!
 
I can do that, do you think I should start a new thread "Converting a 330 DA to hydraulic steering" or just add to this one?

Parts List:
  • SeaStar HH6541-3 Classic 1.7 Tilt Helm (www.seatechmarineproducts.com)
  • SeaStar HC5313-3 Inboard BA135-7ATM Hydraulic Cylinder (SeaTech)
  • SeaStar 90 degree pivot elbows Model#16275190 (West Marine)
  • SeaStar Hydraulic Nylon Tubing 50' Model#4732111 (West Marine)
  • SeaStar Hydraulic Steering Fluid Qty:2 quarts (West Marine)
Only part left is the tie bar tab, would like to buy one already done but may have to weld a tab on my current tie bar? That is the last part needed to finish this much needed upgrade (I hope!) It would be great if someone could post a close up of how their hydaulic cylinder is a attached at the bracket end or stringer? Still unclear on how it attaches to the boat.

BTW, the 1.4 helm and BA125 cylinder is what came from the factory but it was borderline for a 33' boat, ratings had it at 32' so I opted to go one size bigger on helm pump (1.7) and cylinder because that is how I am;)
Have you tried flounderpounder for the tie bar? Maybe contact SeaStar and ask if they have any recommendations.
 
I did contact FP and they said none. I was able to find pre-cut tabs at Summit racing that is right up the road from our home, cheap too. Going to have them welded on once I get it mocked up. Thanks for the reply!
 

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