External Steering: Stern only, worth it?
 

'02 Sunsation 25', 496 375HP/Bravo1, all stock

I want external hydraulic steering as a safety feature, but want to do it in steps to save a little cash for now. I have seen single-ram, stern only kits for about a $1,000. They use the existing power steering pump.

Will this accomplish anything, or just a bad idea? To go to the helm is about another $1500 (I think).

Anything would be helpful.

Thx!

Very good idea over the stock tiller arm setup. The mechanical advantage of the external steering vs tiller arm is huge. Plus it removes some load off the gimbal hinge pins/steering pins which fail frequently in offshore applications and cause sloppy handling.

Anything that stabilizes the gimbal and adds leverage will be helpfull.

One is certainly better than none, even if you still have a cable in the mix.

Curious- whats the gimbal play like now? Go grab the bottom of the skeg and lift up.

Uncle Dave

I ran a single ram add on kit for many years with 550hp. It is a good step for you to take. Make sure whatever kit you buy, it is reputable so when you go to full hydraulic, you can still get the needed parts.

Thx Uncle Dave! There is no play up-and-down, but about an 1/8 inch side-to-side. I monitor torque on the two gimbal bolts (55lbs). I think the gimbal ring is good (I learned a ton about this on my first boat, a Scarab 22. I researched/replaced it myself over a couple weekends).

Thx for giving me some confidence to move forward!

Single engine boat you can get by with a single ram add on kit is what they call it without the helm. Deffinitely a step up for control at higher speeds. There was a hit for a single awhile back in the swap shop. Maybe a month ago. I'll look for it.

Blue Thunder, Uncle Dave, Smitty - Thank you for your advise. I really appreciate it.

Tom

No problem happy to help

Nice boat you have there!!- You'll like it better with steering.

I couldnt mount ANY rams externally because of molded in swim steps and I was afraid to sell my boat for fear the next guy would kill himself and ended up going with a mercury integrated transom system.

I have a 91 tunnel hull fully hydraulic -

To me it feels like most expensive 21 ft boat on the planet. (dont have the heart to sell it now.....

UD

Here's some options I think will do the trick for you. As you can see from the many other posts a Add-on system is a great way to start. http://www.keitheickert.com/detail.aspx?ID=8875

Uncle Dave, that is a seriously nice drive. Wow!

I hope you don't mind my question here NQ. If so I will delete the post however I am up against the same thing at the moment. The only dif is this is a twin TRS application with all the original components from 78. The steer seemed completely fine at speeds under 60 mph however I have stepped up the engines and plan on running over 80. I know that kind of speed is nothing anymore however one of my problems is that my cmi tails don't clear the steering cyl. mounted on the transom starboard engine. cmi wants 600 bucks to alter the angle on the tails so I was just thinking why not go hyd. What would be my least exp. yet good route to go that I could add to later on. I can't really swing the whole deal right now. Any Ideas?

Thanks

http://www.keitheickert.com/detail.aspx?ID=10491

How does this kit tie in with the cable from the helm. Also it appears that I would still need the steer ram or componet that the cable currently mounts? Is this a correct assumption or is that eliminated? I have 0 knowledge on the subject and could use a little help.

Once again sorry for robbing your thread ///

I am not that familiar with the trs setup, but I have a latham add on setup on a bravo, and all the junk in the engine compartment is still there. I would like to go to full hydraulic, but am not sure what all I need.

As far as all the inside components go I think the bravo and trs are very similar. I don't have a Bravo set up here to look at to be certain though.

No problem. It's a good discussion. Have at it!

If you want to get rid of the cable that is in the way you will have to go full hydrolic. I have seen a few systems done by Imco for TRS that worked very nice. You may also want to take a look at Zeigar (not sure on the spelling). I know that a lot of people talk highly of them as well.

Jon

You would need the helm,helm Kit, hoses, fittings, filter. It's an easy install and makes a big difference in handling.