external steering
 

ok so i just got some imco external hydralic rams. i need to get the inside kit to finish the package. But i was wondering how this system works? do u use the same stock cable steering setup? stock steering pump? and the helm for the steering wheel, does this just push fluid back and forth though the ram line? if someone could explain how this works and do i use my stock steering? thanks for the help i love this site

You've got some work to do. Call Kirk at Elite Marine. He'll get you set up!

no i want to know how the system works

First clarify what you have in the boat currently. Bravo's? TRS? Twins? Single?

You can either go full-hydro or hydro assist. Full hydro you'll need a char-lynn valve up at that helm and you'll have to run hydro lines up to the helm: Pressure, return, left, right. You can go to CPPerformance and find plumbing schematics. Hydro-assist you keep the cable, but you'll need a valve back at the gimble hydro assembly. The type of valve depends on what you have currently, Brazil valve or Saginaw valve.

i have a single engine bravo with cable steering...... ill probably do the hydro assist, does it work good? any more info would be awesome, like what the whole process entails. thx

actually i misread your post, how well does the hydro assist work. i have friends that have fully hydro and they dont seem to hard to setup.

If you are going to do it, you may as well go full hydro. It's not that hard to do, you can find a char-lynn valve on ebay for a decent price. Get your hydro lines from here www.surpluscenter.com, actually you can probably find a char-lynn valve there too. Find a steering wheel adapter, then you just need transom/bulkhead fittings unless they came with your kit. Look at the Mayfair install directions on CP's site, they are good step by step directions.

so i take out the old cable steering if i go full hydro? if so then what do i do with the steering arm on the transom

The tiller arm? Nothing, leave it there, just pull the factory merc hydro and the cable out.

I would definately suggest that you get some help from somebody that has installed a hyd system before. The rams must be mounted exactly right and you really need a set of directions to mount and hook everything up.