Description
BayStar HK4300-4 Hydraulic Steering Kit
The Dometic HK43004 BayStar Hydraulic Steering Kit is the compact front mount hydraulic steering kit for single, non power assisted outboards up to about 150 HP on most fishing, bay, and family boats. It pairs the HH43144 BayStar 1.4 cu in helm and the popular HC46453 front mount outboard cylinder for smooth, reliable steering on typical outboard applications.
BayStar is an excellent upgrade over mechanical cable steering on smaller outboards that cruise and run at moderate speeds. For larger engines, higher speeds, or performance hulls, SeaStar or SeaStar PRO is usually recommended instead.
The updated -4 kit, which is the direct replacement for the HK4300A-3 kits, includes the new -4 helms redesigned with updated valve technology, more durable check valves, and a refined internal layout.

Key Benefits of the HK4300-4 Kit
- BayStar system for single non power assisted outboards up to approximately 150 HP when installed to Dometic guidelines.
- Smoother, more consistent steering feel and reduced torque steer compared to mechanical cable steering.
- Well suited to everyday cruising, fishing, and family use on most smaller outboard powered boats.
- Balanced front mount cylinder design for even wheel effort port and starboard.
- BayStar 1.4 cu in helm provides a comfortable number of turns lock to lock with the HC4645H cylinder.
- Compact helm and smaller diameter hoses help with tight rigging spaces and narrow consoles.
- Meets applicable ABYC and NMMA steering standards when installed per BayStar instructions.
What Is Included in the HK4300-4 Kit
| Component | Part No. | Details |
|---|---|---|
| BayStar front mount helm pump, 1.4 cu in | HH4314-4 | Standard BayStar front mount helm for 1000 PSI systems, approximately 4.5 to 5 turns lock to lock with the HC4645H cylinder, 3 inch dash cut out, 3/4 inch tapered steering shaft, ORB style ports with repositionable fittings. |
| BayStar / SeaStar front mount outboard cylinder | HC4645-3 | Balanced front mount cylinder used in BayStar kits for many single outboard engines, 8.0 inch stroke, front mount style, with adjustable support bracket and ORB hose fittings. See the application guide to confirm your exact engine. |
| Hydraulic steering fluid | HA5430H | Two quarts of Dometic hydraulic steering fluid for filling and bleeding the system. Used with both BayStar and SeaStar steering systems. |
| Fill and bleed kit | HA5438 | Bottle adapter and hardware to fill and bleed the helm and cylinder, plus installation instructions. |
| BayStar / SeaStar hose | HO51XX / HO59XX | At an additional cost, you can add hose above. We offer odd length hoses and the option to upgrade the hose fittings to stainless steel. Note, the HO51XX part numbers are being discontinued, replaced with HO59XX, the same exact part only with new packaging. |
Important: This kit ships without steering hoses. BayStar kits use standard Dometic outboard hoses, which must be ordered separately to complete the installation.
Recommended Applications and Limits
| Configuration | Engine power | Typical boat type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single outboard | Up to 150 HP (non power assisted) | Bay boats, skiffs, smaller center consoles, aluminum fishing boats, runabouts | Primary application for BayStar front mount systems. Typical speeds up to about 40 to 45 mph. For heavier boats, higher speeds, or larger engines, SeaStar is usually recommended. |
| Twin outboards | Not approved | Twin engine boats | BayStar is designed for single outboard installations only. Twin outboards require SeaStar or SeaStar PRO steering. |
| Dual station | Not supported | Upper and lower helm installations | BayStar is intended for single station use. For dual station boats, a full SeaStar system is required. |
Not intended for surfacing propeller applications, race boats, or high performance bass boats. For those applications, SeaStar PRO is usually the correct choice.
Will This Kit Work on My Boat?
| Notes | Link |
|---|---|
| SeaStar / BayStar Front Mount Cylinder Application Guide | LINK (WEB) |
| Dometic SeaStar Hydraulic Parts Lookup | LINK (WEB) |
| SeaStar Hydraulic Steering Selection Guide | LINK (PDF) |
| Tech Support Page (First Link) | LINK (WEB) |
Need a Different Cylinder?
You can purchase one of the Conversion Kits below to change out the HC4645-3 for another BayStar cylinder
| Notes | Link |
|---|---|
| Conversion Kit for this cylinder HC4645-3 | HA4640 |
| Conversion Kit to the HC4647-3 | HA4641 |
| Conversion Kit to the HC4648-3 | HA4642 |
| Conversion Kit to the HC4658-3 | HA4643 |
Downloads and Resources
| Notes | Link |
|---|---|
| SeaStar / BayStar Front Mount Outboard Cylinder Installation Manual | LINK [PDF] |
| Helm Pump Installation Manual | LINK [PDF] |
| SeaStar / BayStar Front Mount Cylinder Fill and Bleeding Instructions | LINK [PDF] |
| Dometic SeaStar Warranty Sheet | LINK [PDF] |
| Dometic SeaStar Hydraulic Build Guide | LINK [PDF] |
Installation Tips
- Confirm that your engine is listed for the HC4645H cylinder in the current SeaStar / BayStar application guide.
- Mount the HH4314-4 helm on a flat, reinforced dash with the correct 3 inch hole and a secure backing plate if needed.
- Route hoses to avoid tight bends, pinch points, chafe, and heat sources. Keep bend radii as large as practical.
- Use only Dometic approved fittings and hoses rated for BayStar and SeaStar outboard systems.
- Bleed the system carefully until there is no visible aeration and the wheel feels solid from lock to lock.
- Verify full engine movement port to starboard, correct centering, and that there is no interference at the cylinder or tiller arm.
Maintenance Guidelines
- Check fluid level at the helm periodically and top up with Dometic hydraulic steering fluid only.
- Inspect the cylinder shaft, seals, and hose fittings for signs of seepage at regular service intervals.
- Rinse the cylinder and fittings with fresh water after salt water use when possible.
- Do not use automotive power steering fluid or ATF. Always use Dometic specified steering fluid.
- If the wheel develops free play, noise, or a spongy feel, schedule a steering inspection before your next trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this kit include hoses?
No. The HK4300-4 kit includes the BayStar helm, front mount cylinder, fluid, and bleed kit. Hoses are sold separately so you can match your exact rigging length and style.
What is the difference between BayStar HK4300-4 and SeaStar HK6400-4?
HK4300-4 is the BayStar kit for typical single outboard boats up to about 150 HP and moderate speeds. HK6400-4 is the SeaStar kit for larger or heavier boats up to about 300 HP and somewhat higher speeds. For high performance hulls and higher speeds, SeaStar PRO kits are usually recommended.
Can I upgrade from BayStar to SeaStar later?
Yes. Many customers start with BayStar and later upgrade to SeaStar when they increase engine power, boat size, or operating speeds. Contact us with your current part numbers and we can help you plan the upgrade path.
Can I add a second station with BayStar?
No. BayStar is intended for single station installations. For dual station boats, a SeaStar system is required.
Questions?
- Tech Support: Tech Support Page
- Check Stock: Stock Inquiry Page
- How to Measure Seastar Hose: Guide
- Learn More About Seatech: About Us Page
- No Sales Tax on Purchases Outside of California
- Buy Now Pay Later with Affirm or PayPal Pay Later
- FREE FedEx Priority Overnight Shipping to the Lower 48 States, USPS Priority Mail to AK, HI, USVI & Puerto Rico
- Formerly Teleflex, Seastar and BayStar are now Dometic Marine
- Seatech Marine Products, Inc. is an authorized dealer, hose manufacturer, and service center for Dometic Marine
International Customers We Ship Worldwide, Shipping Cost May Quote Too High on Our Website, Contact Us for A Quote.
Warranty Information
2 Reviews
-
Installation - easy with 1 challenge
Did not catch that a connector plate change had to be made on the steering cylinder for my particular motor - Yamaha. Tech support was great, they had the part in stock and out to me in a couple days. Also for my 50 HP motor, the size of the tilt tube necessated a change to an internal ring clip on the cylinder tube arm, which was tricky. The cyl. piston arms are required to stick out from the cyl. equi-distant. On the stbd. side of the arm a heavy duty ring clip has to be repositioned. Removing it requires a special ring clip tool which was on hand. When it comes off, it goes flying across the room like a spring. Be prepared. It is easily reinstalled once you find it. The piston arms are then perfectly matched in length. Fill, purge and ready to go.
-
Baystar steering
Great product and great service from Seatech Marine