Merc ITS is it worth the $$$$?
 

Buying a new boat single engine would you buy the ITS concidering if you buy a bravo you need to upgrade to the XR and put hydrolic on, are you better just getting the ITS XR to start? What does the set back do for you and what are the negatives if any with the set back? What are the cost differences?

Thanks:)

I'll go for it on my next boat. Less holes in your transom, cleaner look, easier installation, less stainless to keep clean, cleaner water to the prop.

By the time you add an extension box and external steering the cost is about the same, and everything Indy said.

Plus a box gives you more setback. If you run the steering lines through the inside of the box and mount the rams off the box then there are no additional penetrations. If you go with the Stellings box, there is even an opportunity to adjust the drive height!

Thanks, anybody else care to comment:D

IMCO told me not to run the lines through my boxes. They said I could loose the steering if I broke a shaft in a box and it split a line. I have never heard of an IMCO shaft breaking though.

I don't know if there is anything inside a Stellings box that could break and rupture a steering line.

I am supprised Troutly has not commented on this one. I hope I am not putting words in his mouth but I think he wishes he had the Boxes on his Formula instead of the ITS.

Jon

I believe Troutly and his radar gun are out on the street trying to hit quota...:D And you know, it's big time bonus when you exceed quota!:p

I don't hate this ....

Merc I.T.S. System...
 

If I were rigging a race boat, adjustability might come into play. I would hope that the boat manufacturer already knows the boats "sweet spot" as far as the X-dimension goes. The customers only other decision is, how much does he want to spend in the world of props. The ITS is just so "clean" an install...and completely warrantied by one vendor. The ITS bolts up to the same transom cut-out as a Bravo transom plate would, only about 2-3" higher, which is still a nice X-dimension for a low-water pick-up drive in the future. Food for thought...Ed:)