Dometic SeaStar
SeaStar HC5331-3 Sterndrive 125 8-EM I/O 92 VPS Hydraulic Steering Cylinder
- SKU:
- HC5331-3
- Condition:
- New
Description
SeaStar HC5331-3 Sterndrive 125 8-EM I/O 92 VPS Hydraulic Steering Cylinder
The Dometic SeaStar HC5331-3 is the current -3 replacement for HC5331, updated from older 1/4" NPT plumbing to positionable -5 ORB ports. It is used on select power-assisted Volvo sterndrive applications, including 32 diesel, 41-42 diesel, DPS and SX drive configurations.
Product Overview
HC5331-3 is a SeaStar sterndrive hydraulic steering cylinder for select Volvo power-assisted sterndrive systems. It is listed for Volvo 32 diesel applications from 1997 to current, Volvo 41-42 diesel applications from 1992 to current, and Volvo DPS/SX applications from 1996 to current.
This is the current replacement for the earlier HC5331 cylinder. The -3 update is important because it changes the cylinder from older 1/4" NPT fittings to -5 ORB positionable fittings for improved hose routing and easier installation.
HC5331-3 is normally selected as one part of a complete SeaStar hydraulic sterndrive steering system. The correct helm, hose or tubing, fittings, steering fluid and optional power assist components depend on the boat layout, number of stations and existing steering configuration.
What This Replaces
| Current Part | Replaces | What Changed |
|---|---|---|
| HC5331-3 | HC5331 | Updated to -5 ORB positionable fittings instead of older 1/4" NPT fittings. |
Key Features and Benefits
- Designed for supported power-assisted Volvo sterndrive applications.
- Current -3 version replaces HC5331 and uses -5 ORB positionable ports.
- Robust marine hydraulic steering cylinder built for sterndrive steering loads.
- Unbalanced steering cylinder; turns lock-to-lock are not equal port to starboard.
- Works as part of a SeaStar hydraulic sterndrive steering system with the correct helm, hoses, steering fluid and fittings.
- Common service parts include HS5154 seal kit and HP6092 tube support kit.
Will This Cylinder Work on My Boat?
Use HC5331-3 when the SeaStar / Dometic application guide calls for the 92 VPS sterndrive cylinder on a supported Volvo power-assisted sterndrive. Do not choose the cylinder by bore, stroke or part number alone if the boat has been repowered, converted, modified or previously repaired with non-stock parts.
- Confirm the Volvo engine and drive model before ordering.
- Confirm whether the steering system is power-assisted.
- Check the existing cylinder part number if it is still readable.
- Check whether the boat has one station, multiple stations, autopilot, power assist add-on, or custom plumbing.
- For uncertain applications, send photos of the steering cylinder, drive, helm area and hydraulic plumbing to tech support before ordering.
Application Guide
| Engine / Drive Brand | Steering Configuration | Drive / Model | Year Range | Recommended Cylinder |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volvo | Power Assist | 32 Diesel | 1997 to current | HC5331-3 |
| Volvo | Power Assist | 41-42 Diesel | 1992 to current | HC5331-3 |
| Volvo | Power Assist | DPS & SX | 1996 to current | HC5331-3 |
Technical Specifications
| Part Number | HC5331-3 |
|---|---|
| Model / Description | 125 8-EM I/O 92 VPS |
| Cylinder Type | SeaStar sterndrive hydraulic steering cylinder |
| Steering System Type | Unbalanced; turns are different port to starboard |
| Ports / Fittings | -5 ORB positionable fittings on current -3 cylinder |
| Bore Diameter | 1.25" (31.7 mm) |
| Shaft Diameter | 0.50" (12.7 mm) |
| Stroke | 8" (203 mm) |
| Displacement / Volume | 8.3 cu. in. (135.2 cc) |
| Replacement Note | Replaces HC5331; updated from 1/4" NPT to -5 ORB fittings |
| Warranty | 2 year limited Dometic / SeaStar warranty |
Helm and Steering System Notes
SeaStar sterndrive systems are typically configured with a SeaStar helm, steering cylinder, hydraulic hose or tubing, fittings and SeaStar steering fluid. Steering turns lock-to-lock vary by helm displacement, cylinder volume, hose routing, power assist, autopilot plumbing and number of stations.
| Customer Question | Notes |
|---|---|
| Which helm should I use? | Use a current SeaStar helm selected for the complete steering system. Avoid relying on older helm references without confirming the current replacement or current Dometic recommendation. |
| What about lock-to-lock turns? | Older application data lists approximately 4.9 / 5.8 turns with a 1.7 cu. in. SeaStar helm. Actual turns vary with helm selection and system layout. |
| Can I use a current -4 helm? | Yes, current SeaStar -4 helm options such as HH6541-4 Classic Tilt 1.7 may be used when the mount style, displacement and full system layout are correct. Confirm before ordering if replacing an older helm. |
Related Parts and Spare Parts
| Part | Use |
|---|---|
| HS5154 | Seal kit for HC5331-3 cylinder service. |
| HP6092 | Tube support kit for HC5331-3 cylinder installations. |
| HA5430H | SeaStar hydraulic steering fluid. Single-station systems commonly require 2-3 quarts; add fluid for additional stations or long hose runs. |
| PA1200-2 | 12V SeaStar power assist add-on for compatible systems where reduced steering effort is desired. |
| Current SeaStar helm pump | Select by mount style, displacement, number of stations, autopilot and desired steering feel. Confirm current replacement options instead of ordering from outdated helm references. |
Downloads and Resources
- SeaStar Sterndrive Installation Manual
- SeaStar Steering Catalog
- Dometic / SeaStar hydraulic steering selection guide
- Dometic System Builder for full steering system planning
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is HC5331-3 the same as HC5331? | HC5331-3 is the current replacement for HC5331. The major update is the move from older 1/4" NPT fittings to -5 ORB positionable fittings. |
| Will this work on all Volvo sterndrives? | No. It is listed for select power-assisted Volvo 32 diesel, 41-42 diesel, DPS and SX applications. Confirm the exact drive and steering configuration before ordering. |
| Why are the lock-to-lock turns different each direction? | This is an unbalanced cylinder, so the number of steering turns is not equal port to starboard. |
| Does the cylinder include the complete steering system? | No. This is the steering cylinder. Helm, hoses or tubing, hydraulic fluid, fittings, autopilot pumps and power assist components are selected separately as needed. |
| Should I order from an older helm part number? | Confirm the current SeaStar / Dometic helm part before ordering. Many helm pages now use current -4 series parts and replacement notes. |
Questions? We can help.
If you are not sure whether HC5331-3 is the correct cylinder for your Volvo sterndrive, send us the engine/drive model, year, existing cylinder part number and photos of the steering setup before ordering.
Warranty Information
Related Products
Dometic SeaStar
SeaStar HC5330-3 Sterndrive BA125-8EMV Hydraulic Steering Cylinder
Dometic SeaStar
SeaStar HC5326-3 Sterndrive BA150-7EM Hydraulic Steering Cylinder
Dometic SeaStar
SeaStar HC5339-3 Inboard Stern Drive Hydraulic Steering Cylinder 125 6.5 EM
Dometic SeaStar
SeaStar HC5329-3 Cylinder Sterndrive 125-8VEM
Dometic SeaStar