ITS Transom Assemblies
 

Has anyone run these on a 353?
if so what’s your setup and what are your thoughts on them.

I am far from an expert, but, I heard they were discontinued - so parts may be an issue?
Also, while I love the idea of the ITS, if you look at the attachment point of the steering rams, it's on the gimbal ring. I'm no super genius, but the farther the attachment point from the fulcrum, the more force you can apply. So... I like where the external hydraulic steering ram attach to the DRIVE and not to the ring. Not only does it appear stronger, but from a physics standpoint, it would be able to more easily keep the drive where you want it. Although on the ITS, it would be easier to remove the drive. Working within the idea of 'bolts right on' I assume was one of the limitations of the ITS. continuing the 'farther you are from the fulcrum the stronger force you have', the ITS only attaches to the boat, same as the standard transom assembly. Where as my IMCO steering rams run from the farthest point on the drive, directly to large bolts through the hull, significant distance from the transom assembly.

Will an ITS steering fail during normal use? I doubt it. I'm just looking at the lines/attachment points. ITS is also much cleaner.

if I was building with any parts of my choice would I run them? Maybe.

https://letstalkscience.ca/education...achines-levers

again, not an expert.

Discontinued?

https://www.mercuryracing.com/access...om-system.html

IMO I think they'd be a nice upgrade, mine works flawlessly almost an 8" set back so props are in cleaner water and the boat handles great. Probably one of the best products to come out of Mercury Marine.

Had one back in 2004 on my Superboat and doing one now on my 233. Flawless. By the time you deal with external hyd str..and get the advantage of setback..,no brainer. Merc is the best...poor man's non.6 drive right there. XR with Sportmaster shortie of course.

I was misinformed. good deal.

I have ITS on my 353 but I’ve never been in one without it to know if it’s good or bad. The boat drives and handles flawless is about all I can say.