external steering question....
 

Ok I need to buy some external steering.....first thing does anyone have any they want to sell??

secondly, I would like to do this as painless and cheap as possible. I don't believe I need to run the whole system all the way up to the helm. I'm thinking I can just slap the ram on and run it in sink with the existing system. Heres my question. If the power steering belt goes or if I for some reason loose steering I don't want the drive to turn rapidly as I'm cruising down the water at 80+ MPH with my girlfriend and here beutiful daughter in the boat and it flips.....That would suck!

If I run the steering in tandom with the current stock steering will the external steering unit stabalize the drive if the belt goes or the pump or whatever?? I understand it will cost somewhere in the 2500 range for full hydrolic steering compaired to under 1500 if I run it with the stock cable.........Opinions on this???

Thanks,

Tank

So far this has neaver happen to us, but I do understand that the sterring will stay stable. A good friend of mine has a nice full hydraulic sterring system for sal, single ram system. You can call him at Performance Marine (434) 447-8102. I think he is asking $1500. for everything.

Warren
High Priority Offsore

I've got full hydralic steering. My understanding is that the addon system will stablize the drive if your throw a belt. but, the steering will be very stiff. If you trow a belt on a full system you can still steer, a little harder than normal, but it will get you home.

I have Mayfair cable to Hydraulic, and I can't turn the wheel without power.

I was riding with jdnca1 holding the radar gun when the belt came off. He has the add on unit that works in tandem with the stock merc set-up. The gun was showing 97 mph. The boat made a very gentle left turn and gave him plenty of time to get off of it and to fight it back straight. If you only run one ram and the hydraulic pressures equalize, the cylinder is going to slowly extend. With the use of a hydraulic helm you could hold the wheel still and the drive will also stay still. It will be pulling one way, but you could hold it. Dual rams is the way to go if you really want the safest set-up.

I agree. Deffinately twin rams.

There turned out to be a minor mis-alignment on the power steering pulley that would cause the belt to jump at max rpm. (6100) The best bet is to make sure your belts are in good condition, aligned, and tight. If you check this periodically you should have no problem with the single ram. There are literally hundreds of boats running them so they must not be to bad. It beats the stock merc steering.

Does anybody know if on a twin screw setup if this is as much of a concern. I would assume that the counter rotating props would keep the outdrives from suddenly shifting, but this is just an assumption.

I just found this on OSO, maybe it will help your pursuit of hydraulic steering!

Hyd. Steering System For Sale

Dual is better then single, single is better then nothing. If you can get that system you will be psyched but I am glad you are coming to your sences and getting the streering. The last time we talked you thought you were going to go with out. Good call on the safty issue. If you can get the dual system it is good for two reasons. One is you get more stability, but also it helps to save your gimble all the more, so you get more safty and longer lasting transom assembly.

Jon

Alright you guys, thanks for the info. I think I will be cool either way I go. Thats the news I wanted to hear.

High Priority,

What make system is the one for sale? And thanks for the info.

Audio,

What's up man? You getting ready to get out here for Havasu? Yea, I'm going to have to go with the external steering you and everyone else talked me into it!;)

So my other question for the masses is on a twin ram system to a single drive is one of the rams just "dead" to stabalize the whole system or are both getting fed fluid??

Tank

We have a full system made by Latham. They make the best, call my cell for information.
Chris (513) 706-3199

Tank on a system with two pistons they both are functioning to turn the drive. They also are both functioning to Stabalize the drive. Believe me when I tell ya once you drive your boat with external you will NEVER want to go back to the stock set up. :D:D I am going to buy it for my 302 that does 60 just because I like the feel so much better.

Oh ya you only have a few more days left my good man!!! I am going to be out there on the 12th to bust your balls and kick your ass to get it in the water for Havasue!!!! :D:D

Jon

Bro, it's not me that's lagging it's the shop...I'm trying to get them to have it done by Havasu. It's all good though we'll just be on Nort or Kevins boat if it's not done....or I'll just take Norts 31 Formula!!.....Good to hear you will be out here. We'll have to hit the canyon club again!:D ;)

Tank

Audio
 

Audio, check and clear your e-mail !

I've got the WPM single ram hydraulic helm unit and love it! Easy to install, good phone support and it drives/feels like an outboard. When I say outboard I mean tight and responsive.

I love it too. I have full, dual ram to the helm. You just sit back and drive with your thumb at 70+. I had a small block with Merc standard and it doesn't compare to the hydraulic.

I also have the full WPM single ram system on my 27 Fountain and am very happy with it and the installation was not difficult at all.

The system is very "tight" and responsive but I list just a little maneuverability.

So how much are we talking for the WPM single ram set up??

Tank

Call Team Archer Marine they might have something in stock. If you hurry Dan is still there tonite. 949-646-9778
Mike J might see you this weekend, he is bringing you something from us.
good luck.
pat W

Hey Pat,

We are going to be running in Long Beach on Saturday all day. I think thats the day Mikes coming up here:( But I think I know what it is you have for me and I'm looking forward to seeing it! Wheres the negatives!;) :D

If you are around Saturday come down to the yardhouse around noon for some lunch. I think D-man will be there as well as Kenny Boyce and his new tiger. I don't know who all else will show up but head on down.

Tank

Tank: I will leave it at
the BANK ask for Cyndi.
Put cuffs on Her........
Mike J.

Single Ram is fine - I tried to minimize expense and used single ram to Mercuries system. Drive was stabilized but steel got steering wheel slop due to cable system. Added full hydraulic helm. Wow! Big difference in a 84mph, 26" Velocity. Be carefull when buying used systems with a full hydraulic helm. The lines from the rear to the helm are specific to each boat, are a ***** to modify ( without leaking ) and are pricy to replace.