Externa steering ram mounting
 

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...c32748672c.jpg
how would I go about adding a hydraulic steering ram to this? Would I have to relocate the exhaust and if so where to and how would that go about being done?

Its going to be interesting due to the location of the exhaust. My suggestion is the imco site and a tape measure https://www.imcomarine.com/nvcatalog/imco_catalog.pdf


The rams need to mount to the transom on the same horizontal plane as the gimble. the width of the mounts depends on the cylinder lengths, To move the exhaust if you have to requires glassing in the existing holes, getting new tails and cutting new holes.

The SA-20-R setup only needs 4.87" from the side of the transom assbly so you may just squeak that in

what's the setup you're talking about I cant find it on the webs.

Nevermind I figured it out it's the part number for the imco kit. I'm going to measure it and see what I find out

Boat runs about 66 would single ram be okay if I had the 4.87" clearance in between the exhaust or would dual be a must since its mounted so close to the transom housing?

thats the system I have...It will be tight, you may have to trim the rings on the tips but it looks like it will make standard bravo tail spacing just barely.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...25dda3901f.jpg

you think I would be okay with a single ram for now and add a dual later? Or will single ram hurt the turning radius?

Depends on the power your pushing and how fast your going. single vs dual ram should not effect turning radius,

If I was running in the 60s..a single ram add on system would probably be fine....Running in mid 80s in a 22 foot boat,,dual ram full hydraulic.

okay gotcha, it's a 23ft with a mildly built 454 at about 400hp. I was thinking doing a single ram add-on. Then going to dual ram full hydro in the future

okay gotcha, it's a 23ft with a mildly built 454 at about 400hp. I was thinking doing a single ram add-on. Then going to dual ram full hydro in the future

I'm going through this with boat. If the 4.87 won't fit your only option is to move your pipes or get an integrated gimbal which added about 4k to the whole deal. My gimbal ring is worn out so I decided to go all new with the IMCO integrated setup.

I was going to suggest just going to a Mercury ITS setup. But I do like that IMCO integrated steering system as well.

Do you prefer the Mercury ITS setup over the IMCO ?

Mixed emotions...

I've been in boats with both systems. IF your boat can benefit from the setback of an ITS, then by all means, that's the way to go. But not all boats want or need a setback. With setback, sometimes you need to adjust prop height, and that get's expensive either in changing X-dimension by redoing the transom, or investing in shorty drives.

Thoughts:
1) When it comes to Mercury ITS: many owners NEVER take the cover off, and clean and protect the components inside of it. They all get wet, it's not sealed. For salt water boats, this is absolutely terrible and leads to failures.
2) Compared to an aftermarket steering system (like the IMCO or Marine Machine, etc.), with the rams a bit further out from the sides of the drive, the separate rams IS a stronger setup; which is better on components and overall torsional twist on the transom itself.
3) The ITS is far more streamlined, looks better and cleaner on the back of the boat, and of course, it's all Mercury which some folks like. But like I said, you have to make sure you maintain it. Alternatively, some folks like all the stainless "bling" of an aftermarket system, but it does need polishing from time to time.

Thanks for all the good information, one more question, which vendor would be best to buy the imco SA-30R add on kit from? Any vendors on here offer oso discounts?