Power steering versus electronic steering - comments?

[Edmund]

At a fuel dock last week, met a couple who owned a fairly new 248 C with a 300 Yamaha. In discussing the boat, the guy really loved his electronic steering. REALLY loved it.

Now it appears on the INTERWEBS that the starting point to really consider electronic is a 300 HP single or any set up with twins or more. Interested in feedback, thoughts, etc...since a lot of Rangers and Cuts and Solara are right on the cusp of the size/power cut off point.

Would love some feedback and experience on this....

 

[venajeff]

Watching the joystick controlled twin electric steering outboards do their magic while someone is docking is mesmerizing. I am amazed at the rate of turn.
As I understand it, the number of turns of the wheel (end to end) is adjusted based on your speed as well making docking easier. So I think as functionality goes there is no question electric steering is the superior system.
The only question in my mind is the reliability of the system. And that has to be compared to systems that spontaneous leak all their hydraulic oil down your helm.
Another advantage is the autopilot system is built into the outboard.
As for myself, the next outboard I purchase will most definitely have electric steering.

 

[Edmund]

Thanks...joystick systems of course require it I think....

 

[Mike and Sarah]

We have electric steering on our new S310 SB.
Love it. You can adjust the feel and turn rate of the steering wheel. Very light feel at low speeds and stiffer feel at high speeds. So when docking it takes just one finger. No need for suicide knob. Another adjustment you can set is turn rate. We haven’t ours set for 4 turns of the wheel when slow and something like 6 at high speed. .
The autopilot has worked flawlessly and does not make a hard turn when engaging while you are not on course at the time like the Garmin does.
even if I had a single engine I would do electric steering. When nearing the end of an autopilot route the engines will slow your speed and stop the boat if you do not cancel the route. After stoping I believe it can hold your position.
Twins add more features like fish point, stay point and drift point.
Of course the joystick option with electric steering is must. We love ours!