Glydus Smartsteer Outboard Hydraulic Steering Kit - Up To 90HP

The Glydus S90F SmartSteer Hydraulic Steering Kit is a compact no-feedback steering system for compatible single outboard engines up to 90HP. It is designed as a modern replacement for traditional mechanical cable steering, reducing steering effort and removing the cable, cable-routing restrictions and regular greasing associated with older systems.

The complete S90F package includes an H10 10cc Smart Steering helm, OC90F steering cylinder, two 7.5m factory-crimped hydraulic hoses and one litre of Glydus HOB steering fluid. Glydus positions Smart Steering as a compact, cost-conscious alternative to conventional cable steering and larger hydraulic or power-assisted systems on small boats.

Product Identification

• Brand: Glydus
• Product range: Smart Steering / SmartSteer
• Product name: Glydus S90F SmartSteer Outboard Steering Kit
• Kit part number: S90F
• Product category: No-feedback hydraulic outboard steering retrofit kit
• Engine configuration: Single outboard
• Maximum engine rating: Up to 90HP, subject to compatibility
• Helm pump: H10 Smart Steering Helm
• Helm displacement: 10cc
• Steering cylinder: OC90F Smart Steering Cylinder
• Hydraulic hoses: Two CT-7.5 hoses
• Hose length: 7.5m per hose
• Hose connections: Factory crimped
• Hydraulic fluid: Glydus HOB
• Fluid quantity: One litre
• Published kit weight: 8 kg
• Steering wheel included: No steering wheel is listed in the standard component schedule
• Quantity supplied: One complete S90F kit

What Is the Glydus S90F SmartSteer Used For?

The S90F is used to replace a compatible rotary or rack-and-pinion mechanical steering cable with a compact hydraulic steering arrangement.

Typical applications include:

• Small fishing boats
• Centre-console boats
• Skiffs and open boats
• Small RIBs
• Jon boats
• Family runabouts
• Pontoon boats
• Trailer boats with a compatible single outboard
• New boat installations where a compact steering system is required
• Existing boats being converted from mechanical cable steering

What Is Included?

• One Glydus H10 Smart Steering helm pump
• 10cc helm displacement
• One Glydus OC90F Smart Steering outboard cylinder
• Two Glydus CT-7.5 hydraulic hoses
• 7.5m length per hose
• Factory-crimped hose connectors
• One litre of Glydus HOB hydraulic steering fluid
• Packaged components required for the standard S90F hydraulic circuit

What Is Not Included?

• Steering wheel
• Outboard engine
• Boat dashboard or helm mounting structure
• Engine-specific parts not supplied within the standard S90F package
• Additional hydraulic hose beyond the two 7.5m hoses
• Additional hydraulic fluid
• Spare seals or service parts
• Installation tools
• Professional installation

Is Smart Steering a Hydraulic Steering System?

The published S90F package uses a hydraulic helm pump, steering cylinder, hydraulic hoses and steering fluid. It therefore transfers steering-wheel movement hydraulically between the helm and outboard cylinder.

Glydus markets it as Smart Steering rather than as a conventional full-size hydraulic system because it is specifically designed as a compact, cost-conscious system for small outboards. It is intended to sit between traditional mechanical cable steering and larger hydraulic or power-assisted arrangements.

What Does No Feedback Mean?

The S90F is designed to reduce steering forces from the outboard being transmitted back through the steering wheel.

• More consistent steering-wheel effort
• Reduced wheel movement caused by engine torque
• Improved comfort during longer trips
• More predictable low-speed manoeuvring
• Reduced fatigue compared with stiff or worn mechanical cables
• Smoother steering response in wind, current and light chop

Will the S90F Fit Every Outboard Below 90HP?

No. The 90HP figure is the maximum published engine rating, not a universal fit guarantee.

Compatibility should be confirmed using:

• Outboard manufacturer
• Exact engine model
• Model year
• Engine horsepower
• Two-stroke or four-stroke configuration
• Existing steering arrangement
• Outboard steering-tube and tiller-arm design
• Splashwell dimensions
• Transom arrangement
• Available cylinder clearance
• Helm mounting space
• Hydraulic-hose route

Can It Replace Any Mechanical Steering Cable?

The S90F is designed as a retrofit solution for conventional mechanical steering installations, but the replacement process is not determined by cable length alone.

• Identify whether the existing system is rotary or rack-and-pinion.
• Confirm that the outboard can accept the OC90F cylinder arrangement.
• Measure the available splashwell and transom clearance.
• Check that the H10 helm can be mounted securely behind the dashboard.
• Measure the complete hose route from helm to cylinder.
• Allow for trim, tilt and full port-to-starboard movement.
• Check whether any engine-specific link arm or mounting part is required.
• Confirm that the steering wheel is compatible with the H10 helm shaft.

How Does SmartSteer Differ From Mechanical Cable Steering?

Mechanical cable steering transfers movement through a push-pull cable. Cable condition, bend radius, route length, corrosion and lubrication can all affect steering effort.

The S90F replaces that cable with:

• A hydraulic helm at the dashboard
• Two hydraulic hoses
• Hydraulic steering fluid
• A cylinder mounted at the outboard
• A closed hydraulic circuit
• No mechanical steering cable running between helm and engine

This removes the cable as a source of stiffness, seizure and routing friction. The hydraulic components must still be installed correctly and inspected for leaks, damage and fluid loss.

Is the System Electrically Powered?

No electrical steering motor, control unit or power-assist pump is listed in the standard S90F component schedule.

Steering input is provided manually through the H10 helm pump. Turning the steering wheel moves hydraulic fluid through the hoses, which operates the OC90F cylinder.

How Do I Check the Hose Length?

The standard kit contains two hoses measuring 7.5m each. Measure the intended route from the rear of the helm to the outboard cylinder, following the actual path the hoses will take through the boat.

• Allow for smooth bends behind the helm.
• Include the complete bulkhead-routing distance.
• Allow for movement at the transom.
• Check the outboard's complete trim and tilt range.
• Check full port and starboard steering movement.
• Include securing points and protective sleeves.
• Retain access for inspection and servicing.

Do not route hoses under tension. Avoid sharp bends, crushed sections, hot surfaces, moving machinery and unprotected bulkhead edges.

How Do I Check Cylinder Clearance?

The OC90F cylinder and its hoses must remain clear of the boat throughout the engine's full movement.

• Turn the outboard fully to port.
• Turn the outboard fully to starboard.
• Trim the engine fully in.
• Trim the engine fully out.
• Raise the engine through its complete tilt range.
• Check every normal operating angle.

The cylinder, fittings and hoses must not contact the splashwell, transom, control cables, wiring, fuel lines or deck mouldings.

Construction and Design

• Compact S90F single-outboard configuration
• H10 hydraulic helm with 10cc displacement
• OC90F Smart Steering cylinder
• Two-line hydraulic circuit
• Factory-crimped hose connections
• 7.5m hoses for flexible routing
• HOB hydraulic steering fluid
• No mechanical steering cable
• No cable greasing requirement
• No-feedback steering design
• Compact package for small-boat installations
• Published kit weight of 8 kg
• Patent-pending Smart Steering design
• Designed for saltwater and brackish-water environments when correctly installed and maintained

Installation and Safety

Steering is a safety-critical boat system. Installation should be completed by a competent person familiar with marine hydraulic steering.

• Confirm engine and boat compatibility before removing the existing steering system.
• Read the current Glydus S90F installation instructions.
• Inspect every component before installation.
• Mount the H10 helm to a structurally suitable dashboard.
• Confirm that the steering wheel can rotate without obstruction.
• Install the OC90F cylinder in the specified orientation.
• Route both hoses away from heat, sharp edges and moving components.
• Do not kink, crush, twist or sharply bend the hoses.
• Protect hoses at bulkhead penetrations.
• Keep fittings clean during assembly.
• Fill the system with the supplied HOB steering fluid.
• Bleed all air from the hydraulic circuit.
• Check every fitting for leakage.
• Turn the wheel fully in both directions.
• Check steering with the engine trimmed and tilted through its complete range.
• Confirm that the steering reaches both stops without binding.
• Do not use the boat if steering feels spongy, uneven or restricted.
• Reinspect all fittings after the first operating period.

Maintenance

The S90F removes the cable, cable grease and regular cable replacement associated with mechanical steering, but the hydraulic system still requires routine inspection.

• Check the helm for fluid leakage.
• Inspect both hydraulic hoses for cuts, chafe, bulges or flattening.
• Check every hose fitting for leakage or corrosion.
• Inspect the cylinder body and moving rod.
• Confirm that the cylinder mountings remain secure.
• Check the hydraulic-fluid level where specified.
• Turn the wheel fully in both directions.
• Investigate excessive wheel play.
• Investigate spongy or uneven steering.
• Bleed the system if air has entered.
• Replace damaged hoses rather than attempting a temporary repair.
• Use only compatible Glydus hydraulic steering fluid and service parts.

Key Features

• Complete Glydus S90F Smart Steering package
• Designed for compatible single outboards up to 90HP
• Replaces traditional mechanical cable steering
• H10 10cc Smart Steering helm
• OC90F Smart Steering cylinder
• Two 7.5m factory-crimped hydraulic hoses
• One litre of HOB steering fluid
• No-feedback steering design
• Compact installation for small boats
• Removes the mechanical steering cable
• No cable greasing or cable-routing friction
• Reduced steering effort
• Smooth and responsive control
• Suitable for new installations and compatible retrofits
• Published kit weight of 8 kg
• No separate electrical power supply listed
• Smart Steering range nominated for the DAME Design Awards 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Glydus S90F designed for?
It is designed for compatible small boats with a single outboard engine rated up to 90HP.

Is the S90F a hydraulic steering kit?
Yes. Its published components include a hydraulic helm, hydraulic cylinder, hydraulic hoses and steering fluid. Glydus markets the compact system as Smart Steering.

Does the kit fit every outboard below 90HP?
No. Confirm the engine model, year, mounting arrangement, tiller connection, splashwell clearance and hose route before ordering.

Does the kit include a steering wheel?
No steering wheel is listed in the standard S90F component schedule.

What helm is included?
The kit includes the Glydus H10 Smart Steering helm with 10cc displacement.

Which cylinder is included?
The standard package includes the Glydus OC90F Smart Steering cylinder.

How long are the hoses?
Two factory-crimped CT-7.5 hoses are included, each measuring 7.5m.

How much steering fluid is included?
The kit includes one litre of Glydus HOB hydraulic steering fluid.

Does SmartSteer require a battery?
No electric steering motor or powered control unit is listed. The H10 helm is manually operated through the steering wheel.

Is the system completely maintenance-free?
It removes the mechanical cable and its greasing requirement, but the helm, cylinder, hoses, fittings and fluid must still be inspected regularly.

Can I install the S90F myself?
Glydus markets the system as DIY-friendly, but steering is safety-critical. Installation should be completed by a competent person following the current S90F instructions.

What does no feedback mean?
The system is designed to prevent or substantially reduce outboard steering forces being transmitted back through the steering wheel.

Kit Specifications

Included Component Specifications

Confirm the exact outboard model, year, steering arrangement, tiller connection, splashwell dimensions, helm mounting space and hose route before ordering. The 90HP rating is a maximum system rating and does not guarantee compatibility with every outboard below 90HP.

Included Component Specifications