Replace Helm?

[DTrain]

So I've got a slow steering fluid leak into the bilge and will have to pull new hydraulic lines. 15 y.o. boat - question is should I go ahead and replace the helm too? What's the typical life expectancy of the helm? It's the standard SeaStar TeleFlex. The ram (motor end) was replaced a few years ago, so that's good.

And I understand that when you replace the helm, it's required by law to install an autopilot, correct ?

 

[mrfunandson]

My boat/motor are both 2008, I have replaced both already, the ram over the winter and the helm after just 2 1/2 years.

 

[DaleH]

15 y.o. boat - question is should I go ahead and replace the helm too? What's the typical life expectancy of the helm? The ram (motor end) was replaced a few years ago, so that's good.

My boat/motor are both 2008, I have replaced both already, the ram over the winter and the helm after just 2 1/2 years.

Whaaaaahhhhhh?????? Are you guys using crappy oil in there or maybe your Dealer did? My bro's SeaStar helm and steering ram are 26 years old this season and mine turned 21! I just serviced the steering ram, using the end seal $50 kit. I checked my helm check valves and all was OK.

I think their quality must have really GONE DOWN as I don't know of any older units requiring such out and out replacement!

And I understand that when you replace the helm, it's required by law to install an autopilot, correct ?

Uhhhhhh, you're on your own on THAT one ... haha, must be a woman involved and you're trying to sell the $1K purchase to the Admiral!

I'd put a front helm seal kit into the helm and put the saved ca$h into the Raymarine S1000 Auto Pilot, if it were me.