Imco External Steering install
 

I am in the process of finishing the install on my Imco add of External steering. When I went to drill the holes in my transom for the bracket, I noticed (using Imco's specs) I would hit my stringer almost dead center. Imco say's 11 1/4 inches out from the centerline of the drive. I can install it 11 1/4 inches out only if I go 3/4 inches higher then centerline so I don't hit the engine stringer on my Formula. Imco warns in the directions that it must be aligned centerline (in big bold letters). Plan to call them today, but am wondering if I would really effect anything by installing the bracket 3/4 - 1 inch higher than the drive centerline? I really have little other choice because obviously I can't drill into the stringer... Any opinions on this?

Thanks,
Scott

Cut a Notch in the stringer. I had to on my Formula to get my K-Planes on. Make sure you glass it up to keep it water tight.

Jon

I read somewhere that you can install the bracket reverse, leading to another distance from the gimbal. Will that clear the stringer?

I'll have to take a look at it and see. As Audiofn said, I may have to notch the stringer. It would clear if I still had the original stringers in the boat. They were thin 1/2 stringers when I bought the boat and had cracked on one side and had some rot in them. Cut them completely out and rebuilt them. Now they are over and inch thick and am also running an offshore motor mount. Just looking for any other way besides notching, but looks like that is the way I am going to have to go. Thanks for the input...:)

I guess it is the lower left bolt hole that interferes with the stringer. Why not drill another hole in the bracket. From a stability point of view I think it is more important what you put insde the boat such as big washers or a stainless steel plate. However, I would check with IMCO. Very helpful guys.

I wouldn't want to notch the stringer. Especially at the transom-thats were the forces are concentrated.

When the drive is trimmed up, the system will bind unless it's on the came center line. I've seen 1/2" thick stainless brackets bent from the steering/trim systems binding so it's nothing to take lightly. This will only be an issue on dual ram systems. IMCO does make different brackets, so perhaps a different mount or ram length will help.

I talked to IMCO and they said that on a single ram application that it is not a problem to mount the bracket an inch (up and down) either way. Won't effect anything. They said that if it was a dual ram application it would be different. So, I guess I don't have to notch the stringer. One inch up (from centerline) with the bracket will give me the space I need. Thank you everyone for the input.

Scott