Full hydraulic steering VS. Add on kit What's the difference?
 

I am looking at hydraulic steering and I an seeing "full hydraulic" and "add on" kits. I am wondering what the difference is besides price and pros/cons of either of the two. Of course budget is to be taken into consideration as I don't have an open check book and the boat is only 77-78 mph.

Also, how do you know which to order as far as steering ram length goes?

My Eliminator had a dual ram add on kit added to it & although there was no side to side movement in the drive any slop in the cable would cause delayed movement in the steering system as a whole. This boat would hunt side to side at idle speed & chine walk at high speed (above 80). I hope to correct both problems with full hydraulic steering & tabs, as far as ram length I would call the manufacturer that might just be the difference between a single & dual ram set up. Also my Kachina has full hydraulic steering, it hunts slightly at idle but I can let go of the wheel @ 70mph & nothing moves (tried it once just to see). No torque steer. Randy

Full hydraulic replaces the helm and cable back to drive with hydraulic lines

The add on system the cable and helm remain back to the drive.

At over 70-75 you should invest in the full system IMHO

With an add-on that retains the cable, impact loads can still get transmitted through gimbal ring, steering pin, and internal steering arm. Full hydraulic is much better for gimbal ring and top pin issues.

Add on is a band-aid, full hydraulic is a cure.

I installed full hydraulic steering this past spring. The boat acts like a different boat now. The steering has zero play. I couldn't believe the difference. Go full hydraulic if you can afford it!

I have had both. Dual ram add on was on my 28 Pantera and full hyd on my 32 AT. The full hyd is so much nicer.
The Pantera still torque steered like a cable system and you had to hold the steering wheel. It was also hard to turn at idle rpms.

+1 to what the others already said.

My previous boat had an add-on and the boat was all over the road. I also ended up replacing the gimbal ring. I completed the system to the helm and the difference was huge. When I turned the wheel a 1/4", the boat moved a 1/4".

Agreed. Bought & installed my kit last sprint from Eddie Young. Cant believe how much nicer the steering is. Best money I've spent so far.