292 fastech steering Hydraulic or no?
 

Seriously thinking about upgrading full hydraulic this winter, but in all honesty will it increase the value of the boat. I understand the saftey aspects but my main concern is will I see a difference if I ever sale it? Use will be limited this year due to a new born but I have this sickness tinkering with the boat and already have several things-water pumps, fuel guage, trim rocker switches, taking off exhaust manifolds to check gaskets, and replacing the plastic cool fuel cooler bracket, maybe belows...., who knows I may not get time to install a steering kit once the child is born. Then the other thing, why non broken items before the note is paid and that chunk of change could hammer down some principal.....

What would you guys do?

LC

Its night and day, but go full not just the add on kit. I used the IMCO stuff with the new wheel you are probably around 5k doing it yourself. Will you get it all out when you sell, no but the boat will sell for a little more and be more desirable with out it.


But it really depends on how long you want to keep it and what you want to do with it.

I would pay down the boat before installing expensive add-ons...especially given you don't know how long you'll keep it and you will never get the money back, etc.

I had a 1990 292 SRI that I added a full hydraulic system to. Man, what a different boat. I think anyone with a 70 plus mph boat has to have hydraulic steering. I would keep an eye out for a used take off system, that way you get it at a reduced price and then you probably will get your money out of it. Also, as buyers get more educated, a full hydraulic steering boat will sell when the standard steering will not. Also, the used steering systems are full stainless and look as good as a new system would and function the same. I think this is one case where adding used parts is as good as new. If you don't sell, you'll have a much safer, funner boat to drive. Good luck.

The only question you need to ask yourself is if you like a quarter wheel of steering play or do you want your steering tight like a sports car???? Make sure you do full hydraulic . Add on does not change anything in the driving quality. Jeff Wurl

If i do it i am gonna go full. Otherwise i will just keep my hacksaw steering. Wonder how much full kits will increase in price a year from now.

Although my 292 has full hyd steering, my old excalibur had none. When I installed a 575 Sci and speeds went over 70, I installed Imco partial steering. It was perfectly fine for that setup in a single engine application. With twins, it might be different, but I think you would be fine. A friend has put just an arm, like a shock absorber, on his drive, I don't know the manufacturer. He routinely cruises over 70 with no issues and likes it. Says it stabilizes the boat/drive enough...maybe a cheap option which is better than nothing and will eliminate the slop. Forget the notion that you will recoupe any of your money with any of these mods. It is simply for your safety and added comfort...what is that worth to you? My personal view is that under or around 70, full hyd steering isn't necessary. Above mid 70's...Oh Yeah!

I would like to add hyd steering on the 303 in the future, definitely a difference, I figure I'm married to this one so we will see what the next few years bring, hoping for 1/2 seasons w/o sticking major money into it, from there, well we will see

I have drew sidewiders now. Not a cure for the high speed wonder. Baby girl was born today so now parenthood has hit me dont know when i could install. But still something i think i will do.

All they do is sleep,**** ,and eat for the first 6 months you have plenty of time.

Yea 3 poops already. Lol.

I installed a full hydraulic steering on my 1991 292SR1 after getting tired of turning the wheel a 1/4 turn before any thing happened. As you saw back and forth to keep her straight. It drives like a brand new Corvette . You can take your hand off the wheel and tracks straight as an arrow. I purchased the full Imco system, twin cylinder with tie bar. If you are going to have the boat for a while it is worth the investment. Enjoy!

Project Underway :D
 

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3...D550/ry%3D400/

Outdrives off

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3...D720/ry%3D480/

Transom laid out

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3...D720/ry%3D480/

Actuator out

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3...D720/ry%3D480/

Helm out, and prepped for plugging

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3...D720/ry%3D480/

Helm hole is plugged, ready for new cut out.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3...D720/ry%3D480/

Plate to cover marks left by old helm and to give support since the plugs are not structural.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3...D720/ry%3D480/

Plate painted white.

While I am at it I had the bellows and gimbal bearings replaced today, and let me tell you I hate paying someone to do work I can do. But you got to do it sometimes when time is short.

More to follow.

LC

Looking good, keep us updated on the install.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3...D720/ry%3D480/

Helm installed.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3...D720/ry%3D480/

One wingplate installed, I broke the wear pads on the side of the port outdrive when I was putting the drive back on, so I will order a new set and get that side done next weekend. Hopefully I will have the cylinders mounted also, then comes easy street-hoses, power steering res, filter, ect....

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3...D720/ry%3D480/

Transom is finished except for a good cleaning and installing mech indicators on outdrives. All holes thru transom were coated with epoxy resin to prevent rot if the sealant fails. Now comes the easy part, routing hoses, mounting resivor, and filling with fluid/purging all the air out. Has not been a very difficult install to this point, just alot of two person activities and it is hard to talk people into helping when it is cold, us southerners hide when the temp hits 32*f.

Great thread. Makes me want to do mine.

Dave

i added a imco single ram to my single engine last year, it is very nice! the old steering was brand new so it was not worn out or anything and it still had a ton of play and if you let go of the wheel you were turning and fast. no regrets on that install.

One little tid bit--- imco makes some thru hull TEE fittings for the hose connections to the cylinders. They are exspensive but would have cleaned up the transom a little bit. The 4 thru hulls dont look that good to me.