Mayfair add-on steering???
 

I was just reading thru the December Powerboat, & came across CP Performance add showing a real good price on the Mayfair add-on steering system $995.95 (single ram). I was wondering if anyone has some input on this system. I've been looking at other brands, & that seems to be an outstanding price for this system, as long as the quality is good. One more question, will it be worth it to put on a Donzi 26ZX? I'm about to do a gimbal ring repair, & I do plan on removing the engine, so I was planning on doing it all at the same time.

Re: Mayfair add-on steering???
 

Yes, the CP/Mayfair stuff is ok. You won't believe how much better your boat will handle.

Re: Mayfair add-on steering???
 

Thanks, I think I will jump on it that price, I can't find any other company that can touch that deal.

Re: Mayfair add-on steering???
 

Going all the way, to a full hydraulic system, only requires you to also buy a helm & hoses to the helm. Much better than keeping your cable helm with the Mayfair. CanDo

Re: Mayfair add-on steering???
 

Good thing to have. Might have avoided the gimble repair if you had one in the 1st place. Depending on the repair reasoning.

Nice thing about the add-ons, you can always up to full hyd easily later on as funds become availible to break up the sticker shock.

Re: Mayfair add-on steering???
 

I actually just purchased this boat, & the gimbal condition was already there. Considering the owner dropped 5 grand off the asking price, I really found it hard to pass up. I knew the repair shouldn't top that...LOL...or at least was hoping, that was my selling point to the wife :D . Seriously, the boat is in perfect shape except for the gimbal ring, & thanks to you folks here on the site, I have learned of JR Bender, & his ablility to repair the gimbal. I have chosen to go the full engine removal...I was suprised to see how much room is in the engine compartment of the Donzi...So, I'm going to use this to my full advantage & do any preventive maintenance I can, including the steering add-on..perhaps next season, after I get more comfortable with the boat, & I venture into a bit more speed...I'll go to the full system.

Re: Mayfair add-on steering???
 

How much extra is Latham? Did you read the interview with Mrs Latham?

Re: Mayfair add-on steering???
 

I did start reading it...but then the Turkey was ready...LOL...I do plan on finishing the article. I did price Latham.....For a long time I was a "name brand" kinda fellow...then came the internet, & cool sites like this, with folks with much more knowledge & experience then myself....Oh, & I do ask alot of questions....is that not how we learn? :D ....In short, I am still "researching", but I have learned from my other hobby, "Streetrods"....Sometimes, there are great manufactures that are not "top shelf" that should be considered, as long as they are safe, & good quality.

Re: Mayfair add-on steering???
 

last year I payed about 1100 for inside kit but it was missing stuff that took from last nov to aug to get straigthen out :( so I never got the inside hooked up yet doing the inside of the boat over this winter so I hope in the spring I have all the parts :eek: :eek: and not missing anything else :rolleyes: .

Re: Mayfair add-on steering???
 

I appreciate the info, the more I look into it, it does seem like the best deal going. I can even wait & install the complete system as an add-on to this system. They do sell individual components.

Re: Mayfair add-on steering???
 

I agee, bite the bullet and go to a full system. I had a "add-on" system and I don't think it offers much beyond the stock system. I upgraded to a full system and it made a HUGE difference in handling.

Re: Mayfair add-on steering???
 

I work with Navy boats that has full hydraulic sytems, I do like the way they feel, especially going up a winding river. Of course the speeds are nothing compared to what performance boats run, but I can still feel the difference. I have considered the full system, sorta still on the fence. I'll be pulling the engine next weekend, so I'll have to make up my mind by then.

Re: Mayfair add-on steering???
 

If you can possibly swing it now, go with the whole system. Especially with the engine already out of the boat, that will make installation of the full system a cakewalk.

Re: Mayfair add-on steering???
 

I purchased a Mayfair full dual Bravo set-up from Helm back from Hardin Marine in FL in the spring. Overall I would say it is an excellent quality package. Shipped promptly & complete. Jeff at Hardin was very good to deal with, and easily accessible for questions. Only component that I wasn't wild about is the overflow tank-as it is supplied with satin finish to allow for painting. I would have prefered polished finish, but that's just personal preference.

I looked at most every system on the market. It was the best band for the buck. If money is no object, buy Marine Machine.

Re: Mayfair add-on steering???
 

It does seem that the full system is the way to go, does this completely remove all exsisting cables, & cylinder? On the Navy boats I test, there is a helm, which works with a reserve valve with separate tank. There is no pump in the system, the helm provides the pressure. Is that what the Mayfair full system is? I have looked at just buying the helm from Hardin, & I can fab my own hoses, (I have the machines at work to make hi-pressure hoses). Hey, you can always polish the tank yourself....his speed grinder, some buffing wheels, & a bit of rouge...OH, & a cooler of beer...LOL....

Re: Mayfair add-on steering???
 

The power steering pump on the motor supplies the pressure. I don't have an expansion tank on my system. Maybe because I have a single engine and single ram system.

You actually end up making the HP hoses yourself anyway. You have to cut the hose to length and attach the fittings. So, you can just buy the helm unit and make your own hoses. I'm no mechanic and it was easy to install the system. The hardest part for me was cutting that HP hose.

Re: Mayfair add-on steering???
 

Dave M is on the money. Power steering pump is pressurizing the system. Hi-pressure line goes into an inline filter, than too the helm. Helm has (1) line out for Left, (1)out for right, and a low pressure line that goes back to the oil cooler. From oil cool, it's back into the pump.

The HP hose is a pain in the azz to cut with the metal re-inforcement.

Re: Mayfair add-on steering???
 

I too have installed a full system on a twin in my driveway. Not a bad job.
Tape the HP hose and cut it with a fine tooth hacksaw in a vise.
I installed Imco. Did it all myself including drilling and tapping the drive housings for the rear ram attachment caps which were common then. I did not run an overflow tank, it is not necessary.

Be aware also you have choices in helm displacement. Standard is almost always 80cc. Larger capacity helms move more volume, and are "faster" with fewer turns lock-to-lock.

Re: Mayfair add-on steering???
 

I had to replace one of my mayfair rams last year. It came factory from hustler in 97. Just the ram cost $1000. So I would say that the whole system for under a grand is a real good deal.

Re: Mayfair add-on steering???
 

Well it sounds alot easier than I had expected. I do appreciate all the input. I'm pulling the engine this upcoming weekend, & I'll be sending my gimbal ring off to have it repaired. I'll be ordering the system then. I have to travel for a couple of weeks after that, but I'll be hot on it when I return. Then it's all about getting comfortable with the boat...That's the good thing about living on the Gulf Coast, Ole-Man Winter usually isn't too bad to us, so boating isn't out of the question....just bundle up...

Re: Mayfair add-on steering???
 

that was quoted just the add-on I believe. Single ram and some hardware I'm thinking.

Re: Mayfair add-on steering???
 

We think everyone deserves a holiday deal and thats exactly what the Current PowerBoat ad is. This Sale will last until the end of the year and then be over. For reference we offer two inside kits one is a deluxe kit with everything from the custom billet steering post, hose and fittings, resevoir tank, P/S dump cap and line, inline filter, and Charlyn helm it is $1599.00. While the standard kit which would be more comparable to the Imco kit has the same items listed previously except no filter, no resevoir, no P/S dump cap, and no P/S banjo for $1375.00. Happy Holidays