Just bought a 2006 353. Does not have external hyd steering. What brand does everyone use? And what will it cost? I want it to go all the way to the helm. Tks

Latham or Mercury Racing ITS. There have been some ITS packages for sale in the classifieds lately.

Mine's got Latham, but certainly can't go wrong with Merc racing either.

I did the Hardin/Mayfair on my 292. During the install I had to make a plate to cover my exiting helm hole---From my research at that point I discovered the IMCO helm covers the existing cable steering helm hole without having to do any glass work or plates. They also have a more neat transom plate for where the hoses exit. I like the kit other than what I listed. I installed my self and total cost was around 5500.00 that included a hydro shop doing the hoses for me/new baby and ran out of time.

LC

Latham sells the same teleflex tilt column you have now but with the back side modified to except the hydraulic helm. Bolts right in with no modifications to your dash. Use Imco for everything else. You may pay a few more dollars but their stuff always bolts on with no problems and looks the best. Jeff Wurl

Latham steering factory installed on my 292. It added about $6500 to the bill. Worth every penny.

Can you post some transom pics? I did not know 353s were manufactured without external steering. What power is in there, was the boat re-powered and drives replaced at some point? Anything is possible, just trying to stay up on what was offered with these boats.

YUP,,,, I have one in the shop right now with 496s and no hyd steering,,,,,,, its downright scary to drive

What did they call them "Sport" or something quite a few of them out there...

It has 496/x-drives all stock, no modifications. It is not a "sport" model either