KEPP

WOW! I guess I never really realized the many myths and just how confusing it must be for the consumer to understand the steering market and from our stand point we should do a better job. We sell every brand of steering on the market today. But I think what you may appreciate are some history and facts as I imagine only a few of the forum members have seen every system up close and its contents.

Let me try and clarify a few things first or all everyone's steering system available will work for your application. What separates all of them is mostly just how much money the MFG is trying to make as well as the quality of materials, ease of installation, tech support and knowledge, and I think value is what your looking for if I'm not mistaken?.

Mayfair and Latham have been around since the inception of power boating. Marine Machine was a split off from Mayfair at the end of a bad partnership. The others all came along as the market has grown. In the early days most outdrive attachment was done with a hand fabricated "Wing Plate" Mayfair was a pioneer of this system and it is still used today in all serious racing applications that don't have factory integrated steering. Latham developed the rear cap style steering mount. By manufacturing this part from a premium stainless steel they were able to develop a more cost effective bolt on design for a steering mount. This has been a great part to fit most boating applications for years. Later Imco ventured into this market with there own version of the Latham end cap but in aluminum. Their objective was to build a less expensive system. The problem is the aluminum cap isn't rigid enough so it requires you to literally drill and tap another hole in your outdrive for mounting purposes and this is what brings about the next evolution in steering.

Due to improper installation of the rear cap designs that require drilling of the outdrive cases Mercury finally puts their foot down and says no more "Warranty" on any outdrive using a modified or removed rear end cap style steering system!!!. At the same time Mercury decided they would change the design and shape of the Bravo outdrive to the new slope back design thus challenging the aftermarket steering companies again.

This is where Mayfair a industry pioneer comes in again as their engineering and R&D staff tackled this problem. Starting with a clean sheet of paper and no copy of any other MFG Mayfair designed an entirely new 316L Stainless Steel "Modular Wing Plate Cradle" design. This allows the new mayfair steering system to encapsulate the whole outdrive by mounting through (Not Removing) the rear end cap and also mounting to the outdrives mounting studs. This system is designed to work with the new slope back drive as well as the original Bravo out drive. The only other company to tackle this new design is Zeiger.

I know this is lengthy but I figured some clarification might be needed. So lets look at the rest of the components so that you can continue to compare. All of these brands use S.S rams (Imco, Mayfair, Latham, Zeiger). So next what separates these systems is hose connections and components. Mayfair uses S.S braided hose with one piece S.S thru hulls. While some brands choose a cheaper rubber hydraulic hose, two peise thru hulls, and brass fittings.

But I think what your going to find in the end is some of the MFG's are just trying to make a lot of money on their parts? either that or they just don't know how to source their parts very well. Because the Mayfair system offers more value than any kit on the market for less money PERIOD. Luckily for us that the Mayfair folks have the expertise and manufacturing skills to bring to market new designs at reduced costs. Remember anyone can make a great product but making a great product affordable is really the art. Here's some examples.

http://www.keitheickert.com/detail.aspx?ID=8979 Mayfair System

http://www.keitheickert.com/detail.aspx?ID=1735 Marine Machine

http://www.keitheickert.com/detail.aspx?ID=10174 Zeiger Steering

KEPP

Jamie,

I have a question since you are a very valued forum member can you explain exactly why you chose the first two? What features did they offer that separated them from the Mayfair system? Have you ever actually had or seen the Mayfair system in your own hands and can you elaborate?

Just curious

Thanks for all of your contributions

Young Performance

I have seen and installed several Mayfair systems (along with every other system made) and can not say enough good things about it. I also have had several back and forth emails with the member that started this thread(chris-jack) I told him in every email that if I were him, I would buy the Mayfair. I also like the IMCO kit, but Mayfair offers a more complete kit, with more components(like a reservior, ALL new hoses and fittings, etc) than the IMCO and at a cheaper price. I like the IMCO for his application because of the use of the Unimount(triangle mount between drives). It is a very clean install that saves quite a bit of install time since it is all assembled. I still think the Mayfair is the best bang for the buck... Period. Hope this helps, Eddie.

PS. Chris-jack has been given a bunch of false info by at least one dealer in order to sell a particular system. Chris, you are getting straight answers here, and some from the manufacturers themselves. KEPP reiterated what I told you that no system is using brass rams. I'm not sure who told you that but if I were you, I would stay away from them.

chris-jack

i have learned a lot about steerings and people.
Eddie, i had a good feeling when talking with you about the pro and cons. at the moment i am thinking about buying in europe, because shipping costs a lot and i will have to pay 10% duty and 20% tax on it. in the end i pay near the double on american products than you have to pay. itīs a shame.

KEPP

Eddie,
thanks for giving the member good insightful facts about each product and your preferences. Consumers need this quality unbiased information.

Best Regards
Keith Eickert Performance Products

LAKESIDE RESTORATIONS

You are correct the outside of the USA shipping is expensive to say the least.. This usually makes any sales tough for any dealer. Sometimes it is easier to buy inside of your own country if you can.. I wish shipping outside of the USA was easier & a bit less costly. I would make it much easier for all of us to do business outside of the US.. Jamie

32storm

I purchased a Mayfair hydraulic system, full from helm back for dual Bravos a few years ago from Hardin in FL. I thought the Mayfair was the best bang for the buck. All the items are excellent quality. The machining detail & finish on the column provides a nice bling for the helm. System was very complete with all external braided stainless hoses, filter, fittings, bulk internal hose, reservoir, etc. The documentation was very good, and Jeff at Hardin was excellent to deal with.

Some things to consider:
a) Not all systems include the external reservoir.
b) All systems basically use the same Eaton helm units, but CC displacement varies.
c) Different manufacturers use different fitting materials & finishes
d) Not all manufacturers use a backing plates inside the transom, they only use fender washers.
e) If dual Bravo set-up, do you plan on using a single pump or dual pumps. The dual pumps require a different plumping & priority valve arrangement.