am I seeing an alternator direct connected to the crank shaft ? never seen that post 2182

Good question.
I wondered what front drive setup that was?
Guess seawater pumps cam driven.

Also hydraulic cylinders on transom, but I see no steering pumps??

Why the need for 2 tie bars also?

The boat will have an old school hydraulic pump in the helm... All manual input with no assist (obviously)... Think of early o/b skaters
The 2nd tiebar on the steering is likely (only guessing here) to keep the push/pull effect of the steering rams equal on each drive

That's what I thought at first.
An outboard hydraulic setup.

Never knew they used them on sterndrive boats.

Actually Howard Arneson's first boat using the prototype Surface drive. I think this is the only photo of the boat. Powered with a Crusader Marine 350 Chevy.

I have never seen this type set up? I was told the engine stuff is jet boat type stuff? No belts anywhere, water pump off cam, alternator off crank. The steering I have no idea except I don’t like it lol. I am changing that this winter. Going to redo the transom, stringers and modernize the interior and stereo. I will leave the motor setup, it really works well and is something different!

Well as speicher lane said, the steering has no power assist. My guess is that's your issue with it?
So you'll have to add a hydraulic helm, lines to it, pump, and reservoir.

The pump situation might get difficult if there isn't any access to get a belt to your steering pump with your existing front drive setup.
Guess there isn't even a lower pulley?

No lower. I have been talking to a couple of companies about electric pump, similar to drive and tab pumps to use as power steering. I think I will change helm and give it a try.I seem to like to do things different

IMCO makes an electric power steering system that we use on outboards. Works great Give them a call they will set you up.

OK so Not OffShore
But I picked up this Tub for next to nothing and will be starting a rehab this winter. Prob 16-18'. Some sort of Chevy V8 and Jet drive.
I have seen a bad pic of one that was in a Bond movie and trying to figure out which movie so I can some get paint ideas.
Probably early 60s. and the name on it is JEW CANOE lol. Some say change it- I say Bad Luck.

Any Bond fanatics that might know which one? Already watched Dr No and found out you can't even get old Bond movies free on steaming that I can find. Hmmmm