Need some advice on power steering

inxs01 · 09-29-2009, 07:43 PM

I have a twin engined Scarab with twin 420 big blocks
it is equipped with imco power hyd steering
Is there any way to plumb a second p/s pump so that if something happens to the strbrd engine I can still steer the boat?
Thanks in advance Ed

fireboatpilot · 09-29-2009, 11:16 PM

Believe me it gets very complicated! Fittings, hose, pump, check valves. If I was to guess, because I'e thought about it befor, I would guess $2K in parts, ? on big labor, and probly not a very good looking system. I decided to pay for Sea Tow and call it a day if it breaks.

boatfast · 10-02-2009, 08:58 AM

Yes, it can be done but IMO its not worth it. Imco sells some sort of valve for it, call them and request one of their catalogs. The catalog shows all the possible diagrams and configurations for thier setups.

Is this a full hydraulic steering system? If so you should be able to still turn the drives without the pump/engine running, its just a little tougher to turn the wheel.

88Fount33 · 10-02-2009, 09:13 AM

when we converted to full Hydraulic in 2004, Don Carter put a pieced together system on our Fountain (not a kit), and just have the pump on the stbd engine. With that off I can turn the wheel easier than some non-power steering cars I have owned over the years. It "notches" when it turns as the helm is pumping the fluid to the actuators, but steering is still there and not bad at all. Even with heavy and deep TRS drives. With the stbd. engine running it is silky smooth.