Full Hydraulic Steering
 

I have Marine Machine external steering (not a full system). Would I be able add to this system to go all the way to the helm? If so, how much $$.

Dave M.

Yes you can. I am sure that Marine Machine can sell you a helm unit kit or any of the marine steering manufactuers for that matter. Or you can buy a char-lynn steering motor and save yourself some money. Most of the marine steering units use a Charl-lynn helm unit. You want something around 100cc volume. I think a Char-lynn 3 or 4 series will work. Then you need a steering wheel adapter, steering post, lines, filter and you can use your existing power steering pump.

When I upgraded my steering I bought the parts for a hydraulic dealer and put the parts together myself. It was less than half the cost of buying from dealer. But if you do get the stuff from a dealer you will know you have everthing you need and will not br scrambling at the last minute for parts.

mike

Thanks Katdrvr, Did you notice a big difference when you upgraded? I think I have too much play in my steering.

I had a manuall full hydraulic. The reason I changed to power steering was the manual was just too hard to turn.
I don't have any experience with the add on systems but from a couple of people I talked to you should not have any play with the external ram.

Do you have air in the system? Or maybe somthing is loose.

I would recommed the full hydraulic helm is you can afford it.

mike

If you don't have any hydraulic steering you will get the play in the wheel plus your out drive will be loose can wobble back and forth. Both of these together makes it difficult for you to control the boat and can create chine walk and/or make it harder to control.

In your present state the outdrive should not be wobbling, but you still have to overcorrect your wheel to control the boat. Only a full hydraulic system will solve both problems.

Having the right size helm unit is important. The steering can be too fast or too slow depending on what size you get. Be sure you get the right advice. The safest thing to do is order it from the manufacturer of your boat, which is what I did. All the lines were the right length etc. I have marine machine and am very pleased.

Thanks for the info Wilerty. I don't think my outdrive wobbles but I do have to overcorrect sometimes. I do get some chine walk too. I have a step pad bottom and I think sometimes I am trying to keep it balanced on the pad. So, I am overcorrecting. I'll give Marine Machine a call.

Dave M

Dave M - I had a problem with steering and a drive wobble - added an IMCO external steering (partial kit) and it made a big difference. I agree you should stay with mfr suggestions. Full hydraulic would help even more.

Check out WPM, I have their full system and have been very happy with it.