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Thanks all for the great information and response. I did get some info back from Seastar engineering - they’re recommending a system that should put me at 4.8 turns L-L. I was thinking of using their hynautic hose, comes cut to size with pre-swaged fittings but Eric, you’ve got me thinking...

Thanks Eric, appreciate the info. That gives me some ideas for installation. How many turns lock to lock is your setup and how would you characterize the effort to steer? Jim

Hello all, just beginning this project. Replacing the original Big-T Teleflex cable steering with hydraulic steering. This will be something I’ll be installing and I’m interested in understanding other owner’s experiences with these installations. Boat is a Willard Vega Searcher, 30’. I am...

Peter, Thanks for the info, and yes I’m a WBO forum member as well. I was planning to post a similar inquiry there also. Jim

Hi all, looking to upgrade steering this winter. Removing an old teleflex cable system and going hydraulic. I’ve reviewed sea star options and recently discovered seaboard marine as a potential option. Any recommendations or experience with either manufacturer? This will be a 2 station install...

Very much appreciate the post and reminder of how special our experiences on the water are...cheers.

Thanks everyone for your feedback. I’ve reached out to Octopus with additional questions. They will provide options and pricing. I’ll share those results once I receive. Jim

Thanks all for your input. These units are drives meant to work with other autopilots. See link below: http://octopusdrives.com/products/type-r-mechanical-remote-drives/ I’m using a garmin chartplotter. Rep for Octopus said the drive can interface via nmea2000. Has anyone had any experience...

Hello all, I’m looking into adding autopilot to my boat. I have a 30’ Willard Vega Searcher. 17000 lbs displacement, typical speed 6 knots with Teleflex cable steering.I’d like to keep my cable steering to avoid the expense of changing to hydraulic. I was at the Annapolis boat show and spoke to...

Willard Photos Here are a few - 1972 Willard Vega Searcher - new to me spring 2018.

Thanks for all the info, as it turns out it was coolant mixing with belt dust. Looks like the problem is an over-tensioned belt that has damaged the shaft seal on the coolant pump. I’ll be fixing that as well as the alternator alignment this winter. Sunchaser - engine is a 3.3, marinized by...

Thanks everyone for your ideas. I’ll clean it up, check pulleys and alignment then run it. I’ll circle back and let you know what I found.

Thanks again for the input. I’ll clean it up and watch it. Concerned that the misalignment that’s creating the dust may have damaged the Jansco raw water pump.

Thanks for the reply. I’ve noticed belt dust before but today is the 1st time I noticed this material. Grey, not black and not dry. Viscous enough to drip down side of engine but did not wipe off like oil, smeared like bearing grease when I tried to clean it up.

Hi all, wondering if anyone has seen this. I’ve got a 65 HP Cummins Diesel, B3.3 with 170 hours on it Bought the boat this year - a 1973 Willard Searcher. I’ve put 130 hours on her this season and the engine has run flawlessly. Took her out today for about 3 hrs and inspected the engine room...