Teleflex Hydraulic Steering

For decades, Teleflex Marine has been one of the best-known names in boat steering, and its hydraulic systems are a big reason why. Sold under the SeaStar and BayStar names, Teleflex hydraulic steering gives boaters smooth, low-effort control without the cable friction and wear of older mechanical setups. This page focuses on that hydraulic lineup: helm pumps, cylinders, hoses, fittings and the service parts that keep them performing.

How Teleflex Hydraulic Steering Works

A hydraulic system is built around the helm pump, which is turned by the steering wheel and pushes fluid through tubing or hose to a cylinder at the engine or rudder. Because the fluid transmits force evenly, the wheel feels light and consistent, and the system helps isolate the driver from engine torque and wave-induced kickback. Teleflex helms are described as offering smooth, super efficient steering designed for inboards or outboards on boats up to 50' or high performance hulls with single or multiple outboards up to 600 HP combined.

SeaStar Helm Pumps

The SeaStar helm is the heart of the lineup. Design features on the SeaStar II helm include a helm rotor supported by 3 roller bearings, an internal pressure relief valve, front of dash fill, a lock valve for positive rudder lock, and patented bleed tubes with an internal air pocket to handle oil expansion. These pumps are also known for their compact footprint: they fit most 3 inch dash holes for a clean, factory look, and they can be retrofitted into older 4.5 inch cutouts.

Helms come in several configurations to match the dash layout and application:

• Front mount and rear mount (behind-dash) helms
• Classic Tilt, Sport Tilt and Sport Plus Tilt helms for tilt-wheel installations
• SeaStar PRO helms for heavier-duty and multi-engine use
• Different displacements, such as 1.7 and 2.4 cubic inch pumps, to suit engine size and wheel turns lock-to-lock

BayStar and Complete Kits

For smaller outboard boats, the BayStar line offers a compact route to hydraulic steering. The catalog includes a BayStar 1.4 front mount helm and complete outboard kits built around a compact cylinder. Full kits are a practical choice when replacing a worn-out system, since they bundle the helm, cylinder, hose or tubing and fittings, while standalone pumps let you replace a single aging component or add a second steering station.

Cylinders, Hoses, Fittings and Service Parts

A hydraulic system is only as reliable as its weakest link. The range also covers steering cylinders, support rods, Kevlar-reinforced outboard hose, nylon tubing, swivel fittings, fill and purge kits, alignment valves, and seal kits for both helms and cylinders. Because these systems are serviceable, rebuilding a helm or cylinder with the correct seal kit can extend the life of the installation.

Buying Tips

• Match the helm displacement and cylinder to your engine setup and number of motors.
• Confirm the mounting style (front, rear or tilt) and dash cutout before ordering.
• Check fitting type; newer systems use ORB swivel fittings, so older plumbing may need adapters.
• Use the fluid specified by the manufacturer and bleed the system thoroughly after installation.

A Note on Branding

Teleflex Marine's steering business now operates as SeaStar Solutions under the Dometic Marine umbrella, so you may see SeaStar, BayStar or Dometic on the packaging of parts that were originally Teleflex products. Learn more about the manufacturer on the Teleflex brand page, or compare options from other manufacturers in the full Hydraulic Steering category.