Removing Cable Steering And Add Hydraulic Steering On 1995 Sundancer 370

GooseNWater

New Member
Apr 12, 2021
9
Boat Info
1995 Sea Ray Sundancer 370
Engines
7.4 Blue Water Mercruiser Inboards
I am still at a loss of words of why Sea Ray did not use hydraulic steering on my 1995 Sundancer 370… I found a 1996 Sea Ray Sundancer 370 owners manual that shows they changed their minds and added a Sea Star 1 Tilt Helm pump. Has anyone added hydraulic steering to their 1995 Sundancer 370? I am sure the Sea Star 1 Tilt is not available anymore, can anyone please suggest a brand and model tilting helm pump I should use? I am using newer Garmin navigation so I am wanting Garmin autopilot and could use suggestion what kit I should get. I am doing lots more of long trips so autopilot is a must, I can’t sit my ass at the helm 8 hours straight anymore… Any suggestions would be awesome.
 
I made this change to my 330 and yes you can get what you need from SeaStar, here is a link to my conversion.

http://www.clubsearay.com/index.php...version-330-sundancer-96.109200/#post-1325169

To add autopilot you install the autopilot servo inline with the fluid lines to the ram. The hardest part of the install is running the lines and wires, fishing stuff thru a boat is nearly impossible but doable.
Hope this helps
 
I made this change to my 330 and yes you can get what you need from SeaStar, here is a link to my conversion.

http://www.clubsearay.com/index.php...version-330-sundancer-96.109200/#post-1325169

To add autopilot you install the autopilot servo inline with the fluid lines to the ram. The hardest part of the install is running the lines and wires, fishing stuff thru a boat is nearly impossible but doable.
Hope this helps

Please explain autopilot servo? I've been looking into adding a Garman autopilot in my 1999 400 dancer and there are no components in their system called a servo. Their installation manuals are horrible and don't seem to show any connections to the power assist until at the steering wheel. Have you done this before?
 
No servos. Just a hydraulic pump that directs the hydraulic fluid one direction or the other. Garmin is configured like this pic. You will need a Seastar hydraulic helm, correct rudder hydraulic actuator, and hoses/fittings. Item 1 is the Garmin Shadow Drive and 4 is the Garmin autopilot pump.
Garmin+2.1L+bw+ver+1.JPG
 
So you are saying I will need this $600 pump to install autopilot? I cannot install it just using my hydraulic assist pump built into the unit behind my steering wheel? Something doesn't sound right with that.
Can someone who has a 1997-2000 Sundancer (38' or larger) confirm you have a separate pump outside the power steering unit in the dash?
 
My last boat had autopilot and yes, it had a separate electric hydraulic pump in the ER as well as the unit behind the steering wheel. From what I understand, while steering manually it is your arms providing the energy which moves the hydraulic fluid necessary via the hub behind the wheel. The autopilot on the other hand needs energy to move the hydraulic fluid but is not about to get it from the operator's arms, but an electric pump controlled by the autopilot. Expensive add on for boats without for sure!
 

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