Do I need Hydraulic Steering?

[nittanyphil]

Hi All,

Ran across this board surfing during lunch today. I recently put a deposit on a 2005 191FS with a 2004 Honda 130hp. Although I was leaning towards 190, my wife and kids were leaning towards 191FS. They won and I can not say I lost though. The boat will be mostly on fresh water lakes here in MD/VA area and also on annual trips to Canada. It will spend some time on the middle and lower Potomac. Anyone is this area? Also quick question. Do I need to get hydrolic steering?

[Cincinnati]

NFS (No Feedback Steering) on my 190 Bay works well. Maybe someone else here can talk more about the benefits of hydraulic.

[Genelie]

welcome aboard, as for the H steering...????love to have but can do without

[JR_Gar_Fisher]

Get the hydraulic steering, you will love it. Welcome.
JR

[ksr5]

I love my hydraulic steering on my 210. Welcome to the site.

[mtty]

I thought I needed some assisted steering but after adjusting my tab.....(see my thread on trim tabs) maybe not???????????

[nittanyphil]

Went ahead and did it. Put money down on 191. Took boat for test drive today in about 1 ft chop. Could not get over how quiet the 130 Honda was. It came out of the hole fine and hit about 42 with WOT. That is with 4 people. Mechanic said that that prop was too big and it was not turning enough RPMs. He said with proper prop she will get a few more MPH. Not looking for speed demon, more important how boat took the chop. Hopefully rigging will be done for this next weekend. So happy..

[OspreyVic]

Congratulations. I just spend the day getting all the road grime off my new 210. Will get the Florida Vessel Identification Numbers put on tomorrow. We still have to purchase and get installed all the electronics. Know you will have fun with your new boat. Don't forget to post some pictures.

Vic in Osprey FL

[Putershark]

Pretty much required for 150 HP engines and higher, but I can see where anything over 100 hp could see a benefit (due to increased engine torque) from having that added as an option.

Also don't forget about the ablity to use a smaller helm (steering wheel, mine is 15 inches) which when combined with a steering knob is the only way to fly Mine also has tilt which also comes in very handy...

Enjoy!

[Cincinnati]

Originally Posted by nittanyphil

Went ahead and did it. Put money down on 191. Took boat for test drive today in about 1 ft chop. Could not get over how quiet the 130 Honda was. It came out of the hole fine and hit about 42 with WOT. That is with 4 people. Mechanic said that that prop was too big and it was not turning enough RPMs. He said with proper prop she will get a few more MPH. Not looking for speed demon, more important how boat took the chop. Hopefully rigging will be done for this next weekend. So happy..

Let's talk about your prop. I've also got the Honda 130 on my 190 Bay (2002). I run a 13.25x17 aluminum. What do you have? Sounds like you have more pitch. I'm happy with mine as it allows me to troll at only 2-3 mph. The slower the better for me.

Also would like to discuss the motor. Mine has been at the shop for over a week getting the entire fuel system updated and a new starter and key switch installed. All under warranty, but certainly a surprise based on such little problems you hear about the Hondas. The fuel system was $750 and the starter was $500 - not including labor. I don't know how much the key switch was but it must have been over $100. I will say this, Honda has the best customer service department I've ever had to deal with.