On the hydraulic steering how much throw do you need to have good steering and slow speeds? My present cylinders have a total of 9" of throw but I can not get them to fit between my trim tabs and wing plate when I have the cylinders at half their travel. I need to loose about 2 1/2" from the total length.
My steering system is made by Marine Machine. I already contacted them and they sent me a new wing plate which gave me the 2 1/2" that I need. The problem is that I can't raise my out drive all the way up with out it hitting my swim platform with the new wing plate. They said that if this didn't work the only other choice was to put shorter cylinders on it.
I'm curious on what amount of travel is to short for good mobility at slower speeds. If I went from a 9" throw to a 8" throw would that make a big enough difference to notice it? I'm running a 25' boat.

Ask Marine Machine, they make it and stand behind it.

PM Gordo and see which rams he has. He's got MM steering on his 25 AT. He doesn't have a swim platform to worry about though.

mike mine both hit my platform if i go all the way up i just know where to stop no need to trim up that far its hard on your u joints and so on.

32 thunder rick

Would a Lathem drive end cap work better?

I have the MM steering and a very large wing plate, I don't have a plaform but am looking for one, 32 Thunder Rick, I have the same boat, where did you get the platform? I was worried about the steering being in the way, mine is outboard mounted. Do you wish you didn't have it, I am only asking in case it has been more of a problem than it is worth, I want one, let me know what you think. Thanks.

merc makes trim up travel limiters if thats what you need to do.you can use a couple of them if needed.they are only like $3 a set.you will need a spanner wrench as you have to unscrew the end cap on the trim cylinder to install them.they are on the merc site.

Did to talk to Marine Machine yet?

P offshore,
I did talk with Marine Machine again and they said that shorter cylinders was the best way to go under the circumstances. So I ordered the 8" cylinders and had a special wing plate made to get everything to fit.
My question still hasn't been answered. Is the 8" that big of deal on stering at docking and is there anyone running them?
I will have a complete Marine Machine steering system for sale which includes Two 9" travel cylinders, transom mount plates, wing plate and all the bolts to mount it. Hydraulic hoses and fittings not included.

I have not run the MM 8" so I can't help you there, but I have a lot of confidence in the company. I don't think they would sell you a system that would not perform well. Good Luck !