Steering options
 

My renovation of the 1971 21GT Donzi is moving fast. Going to paint shop in a week and interior has been ordered. I found a used 496 Mag and using a Bravo drive. My question is about what different steering systems I want to use. I would guess the boat should do 60-65 MPH (???). I would like some type of hydraulic steering but Im chocking on all the money I'm dumping in the boat. Is there a less expensive but safe system anyone can recommend.
Randy

This is the Donzi that your and your daughter are restoring - right? Would love to see some pics of the progress! And - apologies to get off topic

IMO
With a 21 footer, cable while not the best will do 60, going to 65 could be a bit sketchy. The add-on is better, but not as good as full but should smooth out any concerns. That said nothing beats full hydraulic

If money is a concern, being a semi-fast small boat driver, I would go with a full single ram system over cable any day of the week. keep your eyes open for a used setup too, that would cut the price in half.....

Id contact sickstinger on the board, he usually has used hydro steering systems

Or Gordon on facebook...

Yes this is the boat. I cant post pics. If some can I will send them to them to post

some of the donzi's don't have a full length transom, so if you go full hydraulic, make sure there is an area to bolt it to.

sent you a pm

Full Force has a set for sale in the swap shop for a good price.

OMG you are correct. I would have never thought of that. So back in the day when Donzi and possibly other manufactures built the transoms they didn't do the whole transom 2" thick with wood and glass. On my boat the transom where the wood and glass are 2" thick is only between the stringers from the bottom to the top. They also did the same thing where the trim tabs go. The rest of the transom is only 1/2 thick glass at best. I was blown away the first time I saw it. The other crazy thing is the transom is bowed not flat. Maybe that's one reason? I will try and send some pics.

here ya go