Header banner
Revain logoHome Page
Adrian Hayes photo
Italy, Rome
1 Level
683 Review
57 Karma

Review on 🚀 Optimized Winibo ZA0300 Hydraulic Steering System for Outboard up to 150HP including Helm Steering Ram, Cylinder, and Tube Kits by Adrian Hayes

Revainrating 5 out of 5

Left and right side are marked wrong!

So I thought I should buy a Seastar or Baystar for my 1985 20ft Mako CC. Steering cable changed twice. I decided to risk it for half the price of an industry standard Seastar. The device makes a solid, well-made impression. The hydraulic lines were twice as long as I needed, requiring several additional loops of hydraulic line under my console. Luckily my boat has two sections of PVC from the console to the hold. I was lucky not to have to fish both hydraulic lines along with all my electrical wires. I had big problems installing the steering pump. The original steering wheel mount made of powder-coated aluminum was firmly welded to my console. I had to use a router to enlarge the hole to get the screws out. After finally installing the steering pump, my handlebars are 5 inches higher than before, so I can't control my legs! Kinda freaked out about it. When I installed the cylinder, which was the easiest job, my wife helped me bleed the system. I followed the instructions and ran into issues where the motor turned the wrong way and leaking oil instead of air. I realized that the port and starboard lines had switched places. I checked my setup and it was correct. I read in another review that they made a mistake many months ago and assumed the manufacturer fixed the problem. The fact that they can't get it right is just unfortunate. Otherwise I would give 5 stars. Are port and starboard different on the other side of the world? If so, silly of me, but be careful not to follow the P and S on the steering wheel! Another downside is 7 turns from lock to lock, which is a lot more than my cable system. I read about this system and expected it, so I ordered a steering wheel with a handle for docking maneuvers. The steering is buttery smooth, worth 2 days of steering wheel conversion! I will add photos and impressions after sea trials in a week. I hope it's as durable as it looks! I'll do some research on shortening strings so they don't overload my console. Overall I'm satisfied, I'll update if there are any durability issues. Filled with 1.5 liters of oil. Prepare a vessel and funnel for pumping. My wife helped me and cursed for 45 minutes and spilled oil on my fender! Much luck!

Pros
  • Great for me
Cons
  • Nothing