Steering Stabilizers??
 

Looking for opinions on the value/ benefits of adding a steering
stabilizer to my 25' Outlaw. The boat has a stock 454Mag and tops out about 65MPH. As an alternative to a full hydraulic steering system I am considering adding a single piston stabilizer.
My questions are, do they work, i.e. really improve steering feel/ control/ backlash and will they provide a measure of safety if you lose a steering cable?? For $400+ install it's seems like a good add-on for a boat with my performance level (not real fast but fast enough to worry about steering at speed!).

Thanks
Luxy

Any recommendations on a mfg. also appreciated.

Luxy, I'm running a 24 Outlaw, and I've had the Drew Stabilizer for several years now. I think it helps quite a bit with the wander at low speeds, and two weeks ago when I broke my gimble ring I'm positive it saved me, my crew, and my boat from injury. Also, you can ask several of my passengers how it helps at high speeds. I can let go of the wheel if I have to (I don't like to, but sometimes you have to). In fact, last week BGIII and I were running next to eachother in 3-4 foot swells on Lake Michigan and my crew and I all did the roller coaster hands in the air thing at 50+ mph (for a few seconds). BGIII was steering like a maniac. My boat never moved off course, not a bit. If you talk to Drew on the phone, he'll tell you to install 2 for anything over 300 hp and 60 mph. I've been running one for years though.......take that as you will (as in that's a $400 savings eh??).

Mike

I personally do not advice Drew stabilizer.I do not think it works.

material used in the product is not good for salty water.All screws gone in 3 months.(screws on the piston)

I did not have any positive or negative feel.actually I felt nothing.


Waterfoul: it is the first time I read smthng nice about this sytem.

I'm running in fresh water, so no salt issues. And I'm not sure why you would have had any issues. Screws?? I don't see any on mine. Two bolts on the transom (stainless), two on top of the drive (stainless), and one connecting the drive to the stabilizer (also stainless). I believe Dean Ferry is also running one on his boat in Florida, and is also happy with the results. Jafo is running two on his 24 Formula twin engine, and also likes the results.

I am thinking of adding one also....I realize that the Full hydraulic system is the way to go BUT....For a boat running 60mph and with an alpha I think that your options are limited...To me the main thing is the safety factor. Is there anything else out there to offer the protection for your steering? Secondly if it improves the steering much at all it is a pluse. And for 1/5th the price is there anything close? ANYTHING.....If so I would be very interested to hear before I buy....

"Bad-Habit"

I have two on a F242LS Formula with twin SBC's and Alphas- no issues with corrosion, and they helped a great deal with the boat's handling at speed.
I do have a slight torque steer since the boat is non counter-rotating, but that is not something the stabilizers were designed to clear up in the first place.
I'm glad I installed them- peace of mind without the enormous expense of hydraulic steering (I wouldn't do hydraulic unless it was helm to stern, and decided it was not worth the expense with this boat.)

Drew stabilzers
 

Added a pair to my 28ft Scarab that runs 75mph. The stablizers have worked out well, boat is definetly more stable. They seem to be quality materials, let you know in a year or so!
I do run in salt water, but the boat is trailered, flushed and washed after each use so there really shouldn't be any corrosion problems.

Jafo - I agree on the full hydraulic to the helm. If I had a real high power/ speed rig that would be the way to go. My steering tends to wander some at idle/ low speed and when trimmed up. Thought that the stabilizer might help and sounds as though it does. Did you guys install yourself or have a mechanic do it and what did it run you for the single/ dual installs??

Is drew the only mfg'er??

Installed myself, very easy, just make sure that you check inside of the engine compartment for hoses, wires etc, before you drill.
The instructions were ok, but you can call Drew himself if you have questions. I did, and he put me right on track.

Luxy,
If you are interested the 3rd annual Rhode Island Poker Run is this coming Saturday, 8/10/02 if you are interested e-mail me: [email protected]

Im interested in this as well. Anyone know if your steering was to snap , could the stab control the drive long enough to slow the boat down? And where is the best price ??

SJ, from fouls post it sounds as if his stabilizer saved his butt and boat when his steering gimbal let go. That insurance alone is worth the cost. The best price I've seen so far is $389 at CP Performance for a single cylinder setup.

TomR, I'd like to particiapte in the PR but I don't have a trailer, yet. The boats kept at Winni. Next year hopefully, once I find new employment.

Have fun and good luck!!

Luxy

it's a band-aid...if you are running a boat hard enough to bust gimbals,,,you should not be doing it w/o some sort of a hydrulic system...the systems start cheap...how about used?? so what's the total cost for a stab., a busted gimbal, other damage, and the possibility of hitt'n the eject button on your riders???...my .02 is it will come back to bite ya!!

ps...i HAVE run them with and w/o....

by the way i have one or two somewhere..i was going to use them for something else:D

Audacity, I agree, except for the cost factor hydraulic is the way to go. A single ram system is about $1300 and a single stabilizer is $400. I don't run my boat very hard, occassionally I catch some air but not very often and at <60 mph. To get the opinions and experiences of members who have run one/ both is why I started the thread. Thanks for your input. It's seems like there is some value vs. nothing at all. If the feedback was overwhelmingly negative I'd wait till I could afford the hydraulic system....may still do that. I assume you replaced the stabilizers with hydraulic's?? Let's hear your new use for 'em? Maybe you and drew can joint market your idea!!:D

Hey Aud... Mines a 21 footer that sees 75ish only as long as it takes to see the grins on the passengers and never gets airborne. Let me know what kind you have and what you want for em. sj

Luxy60,

We have a small group coming up to the lake for labor day weekend.
We are staying at Proctor's Lake House cottages, which is right next to the Naswa. If you are going to up at the lake you should try to hook up with us.
I understand that there is a poker run happening, trying to find some more details. If you here of any please let me know!

TomR

Audi.. you can email me at [email protected] if you like. Id love to attend one of those runs. My lil baja would seem like a canoe compared to some of the wild iron you guys run.

top

TomR,
We'll probably be up there at some point during the holiday. I'm familar with proctors. Nice place to stay and the owner, Fred, is a great guy. I keep my boat right across the channel at Channel Marine. What type of boats will you have up there?

I haven't heard anything about a poker run that weekend. It's very busy on the lake and I'd be surprised if they could get permission from the MP. If I hear anything I'll post it. There is a Winnipesaukee.com web site which has a forum where you might get more info.

luxy

I just installed a WPM (Warlock Performance Marine)single ram set up with the Brazil valve on my 24 Outlaw. Took me about 3 hours, no big deal. Glad it is done. Steering is definitely more stable and I can blast on the throttle with a little better piece of mind. I should have done it a few years ago just for the safety aspect. Highly recomended, but it's only been on the boat about 1 week. Pricey but safe.

I also just added a WPM single ram setup. It is very nice, no more play in the system. I purchased the steering stablizer's but after further review, sent them back and went with the WPM system. It cost more but it's worth it.http://members.aol.com/jlstang95/wpm.jpeg

Where did you guys get the WPM set-up? Any particular reason
you went with WPM vs. an IMCO or other brand?

I purchased directly from WPM. I went with them beacuse I needed a custom setup and install and they were the only ones to give it a try. IMCO shut me down, so WPM got the business. They do great work and are very easy to deal with. Talk to Dan and he will set you up.

LUXY,
We will be up at the lake Saturday eve, labor day weekend thru that following tuesday staying at Proctors. The boats we have are a 28ft Sonic, 24ft Formula & 28ft Scarab.
Whats the scoop up there with exhaust?? I heard that they are clamping down on enforcement!
BTW, ran in the R.I. poker run last weekend, and I really do like my new steering stabilizers!

I went with the WPM on the advice of Merlin 540. I also ordered the set up thru him. Just make sure you have the proper clearance between hydrualic fittings before you trim the drive all th e way up. I had to rotate my ram upside-down after I (stupid ass) snapped a fitting because it did not have enough clearance ( I should have checked it out first instead of going off just the diagaram.....) Looks cool also!!!!:D

Eagel, yours is definitely custom, mine has the mounting bolts and the hydrualic fittings in the same mounting piece. Looks good!!

They had to cut the bracket in half because the top bolts would have been above the floor and the bottom bolts below the floor. So they cut it in half so both bolts are above the floor. They also had to weld a 1in spacer on the wing plate to keep the steering geometry correct because they dropped the mounting location on the transom an inch, because of the swim steps.

TomR,
The MP is pretty strick about the noise limit on the lake. They will be all over the Weirs/ Paugus Bay area during labor day. If you have thru hull exhaust it needs to be muffled. I think the limit is 84/ 86db, not positive. I have QQII on my boat and that will pass. You also can't have a switchable type such as captains call.
You've got a good respresentation of boats. I have a 25 Outlaw SST, my buddy has a 27' Formula. We have a blast on the lake. 25 - 30' is a good size range for Winni. The water will be snotty everywhere that weekend. Thanks for the feedback on the steering. This winter I will definitely do something, either stabilizers or single ram hydraulic. We'll see what the finances allow!

Winni Poker Run
 

TomR,
There is a poker run on Winni scheduled for Sept. 3. Here is a link
to the info.

Luxy

http://www.nhboat.com/Features/pokerrun.htm

LUXY,
Thanks for the link. Are you planning on running in the poker run??

I have a Drew Marine single stabilizer I bought and never installed. It has some scratches on it from being looked at and repacked for the last 2 years, but was never used !!!

I'll sell it for $300 + shipping if anyone is interested.
Dennis