Cable steering always has slop and play in it. Safety issues aside, if you want to run faster on any given HP you need to remove that slop and play. Once you have hydraulic steering in a boat, you will likely NEVER want anything less.

Hey thanks for the info ZXXX Donzi. So twin ram would be overkill for a max 75 mph boat? I guess my inexperienced thinking is that two will keep the outdrive planted more securely than one. I have had boats all my life, but never one faster than 54 mph so this is new territory for me.

Yes, that will be fine. It all depends on where you want to end up.

The good thing about the Hardin / Mayfair system is that you can do it in stages. You can do the add on and then change it to full later. I happened to have one laying around from a prior later. I fully planned to do that with my X-18 but have not yet seen the need go with a hydraulic helm and that is coming from a guy with a full system on my other boat.

Now be careful if you are a type that may end up with a 85 mph boat one day. You will want a twin ram full system for that and it is more costly to go from a single ram assist to a twin ram full system.

Good luck and enjoy that boat.

Good point. There is no telling where this will end up. :)

I agree that a single will be fine for your application, I thought you were just set on getting dual ram. I thought maybe you had an inside track or deal on it. Single is fine.

Like many have said, it is a great upgrade and once you have it, you will never go back. Sounds like you are putting together a nice project. Take some pictures of the install to help others!

Thanks everyone. I will install the single since the other can be added if needed. I will take plenty of pics and plan on some video as well. :)

Are you planning on full hyd. to the helm? I am also adding this this season but only due to the addition of an extension box. I chose IMCO.

For now I am thinking a partial system. Seems like a good way to start since the rest can be added later. I will be very interested in the results of your extension box.

My feelings also. I will start a thread with the before and after numbers in the Baja section when I have them.

Hydraulic steering in addition to the safety factor greatly increases the life of the gimble ring by stabilizing it, and helping to cushion it from the blow of the waves and re-entry.

If you have a hot single that runs 80+ I believe you will double the life of the gimble by adding hydraulic steering to it.

Not sure how much wear you have now?

Go grab the bottom of the skeg and lift up hard- measure the play and see.

Oh and Imco, or a Mercury ITS if you have extra money that needs a home. Nothing wrong with Latham, ive just gotten excellent service and value out of all my imco parts.


Uncle Dave