Do I need external steering? If so what kind?
 

I have a 30' Kachina with a 502 mag, Lightning headers and a Vortech supercharger from ASM. The boat does 75 easy on GPS. I was thinking of adding external steering this winter for safety. I would like to do the work myself. I hate having my boat uncovered and in someones shop for 3 weeks while strangers crawl in and out of it. How hard is it to add, is the full hydraulic system even more complicated? Is one ram sufficicent? (the boat isn't that fast) How much should I spend and what brand is the best value for my buck. If I buy a used setup off the classified section what parts do I need. Lots of questions but I know someone will have most of the answers.
One more thought, if I destroy my drive and upgrade to an XR (Bravo 1 now), will the system still be compatible?

Re: Do I need external steering? If so what kind?
 

yes... :D :evilb:

Re: Do I need external steering? If so what kind?
 

Call Brian Alfrey 513-407-0215 at XS performance. Dual ram full hydraulic for $2650.00 is the best "bang for the buck" i've found...


Doug Schiller

Re: Do I need external steering? If so what kind?
 

what's involved on the installation? Is it something a normal person can do?

Re: Do I need external steering? If so what kind?
 

If you are mechanically inclined and not afraid to drill holes in the transom, you can do it.

Basically remove the existing steering helm and cable, install hyd helm, lines, mount rams and bleed the lines.

Re: Do I need external steering? If so what kind?
 

What about compatability with other drives? Also is it something I really need? Does my speed warrant it?

Re: Do I need external steering? If so what kind?
 

Yes, you definately want hydraulic steering. I had Imco single ram on my Sonic with a single, and have Marine Machine dual ram on my Active Thunder with twins.

There is a new system out, not sure who makes it, but the hydraulic lines are only in the engine compartment, and it is fly-by-wire meaning electrical connection up to your steering wheel. Its pretty trick; saw it demo'd at the Miami Boat Show. Coolest thing about it is you can change your steering wheel to drive angle rate electronically. I imagine this would be much easier to install.

Re: Do I need external steering? If so what kind?
 

Any idea on price?

Re: Do I need external steering? If so what kind?
 

Those Kachina's look cool. I here they ride & run well too.

As far as price, I would call or email Brian Alfrey at XS Performance direct.
XS Performance Marine
Brian Alfrey
6688B Georgetown Lane
Middletown, Ohio 45042
1-513-737-0588
[email protected]
He goes by Alfster on OSO but he is rarely online.
However he always answers the phone.

His hyd. system is priced much lower than the others.
Good stuff, a very clean looking set up & extra heavy duty!
His kit comes with everything you need, best bang for the buck out there!
I like how he has the steel braided lines running through the ram mounts...it gives a very clean look to the installed system! Most of the other guys use rubber hoses.
I've seen several members on OSO who have installed these systems by themselves. Plus Brian will always give you whatever support you need.
I did a search and found these pics of the XS Performance system.
Brian will treat you right, he is pretty fast and his systems are top notch.

http://www.xsperformancemarine.biz/

Re: Do I need external steering? If so what kind?
 

anything that does over 70mph should have hyd steering!! never mess with safety, I would put it on anything that does 50!

Re: Do I need external steering? If so what kind?
 

I put twin ram external on my 2000 baja 272 myself,other than drilling 4 holes thru transom and drilling two hole under cap on outdrive it wasn't that hard. Took about 8 hours in driveway. Upgraded it to helm last spring,6 more hours work but had to wait 2 wks to have a custom bezel spun up because hole in helm was bigger than parts from imco and i wanted it done right. I can now run 85 pretty straight and somewhat under control. My boat felt fine when it only went 62 stock BUT was terrible out of control at 75-80 mph once you were no longer accellerating(chine walked out of control).A nose cone doubles the effect of having slop in cable steering and my boat will only go past 75 if trimmed WAY up which also added to loss of control. The twin ram external took 75 % of it away,going full to the helm took most of rest away. If your boat is squirelly at all right now at 75mph i would just find best deal on complete system to helm and do it yourself. If you put your own blower on i'm sure your accustomed already to standing on your head in bilge :D :D ,Smitty

Re: Do I need external steering? If so what kind?
 

Allan4 sells those, I think he has them cheaper.

www.hilsingermotorsports.com

Re: Do I need external steering? If so what kind?
 

Another happy customer

Re: Do I need external steering? If so what kind?
 

i'm sure your accustomed already to standing on your head in bilge :D :D ,Smitty[/QUOTE]
I thought I was the only person who laid over the back seat upside down until all the blood rushes to my head!!!!
I'm not really scared of the install as long as all the parts come with the kit and it has decent directions. I think the most imtimidating thing is knowing where to drill the holes in the transom. As long as they give good directions and measurements it shouldn't be a problem I guess.
The boat has never chine walked with a bravo 1 prop, the only time it did was with a Hydromotive 27 pitch, I was scared to take it above 70. It felt like my steering wheel was loose and I had no control. I also tried a Mirage but I could hardly get on plane, any rpm at all and it would just spin out.
I'll give the poeple that were recommended a call and feel them out. A couple of bucks difference doesn't matter as much as feeling like I'm not getting robbed!!! You know how boat shops are...... I love the work AZSM did but even there customer service sucks. My boat sat outside in the rain and dust uncovered for three weeks. I still haven't gotten the interior back to the condition it was originally i, and I still dont have a real aircleaner that fits in between the headers and the intake. they said they had never installed a Vortech on a boat with Lightning headers and didn't realize just how big they really are. So I've got some jerry rigged screen bolted to the intake on the blower. If I never have to take it in to a shop again it will be too soon.

Re: Do I need external steering? If so what kind?
 

Allan4 sells them for less than what Brian, the man who makes them, does?

Re: Do I need external steering? If so what kind?
 

I see nobody recommended IMCO. I there something wrong with there system?

Re: Do I need external steering? If so what kind?
 

I got a price on an Imco system from a local dealer and it was $2500.00 for a single ram full hydraulic system, the XS system is about the same price for dual ram...


Doug

Re: Do I need external steering? If so what kind?
 

When I first started looking for hyd. steering for my Corsa quality was my main concern and after comparing various other brands I went with Brian @ XS. He is a perfectionest in building these sytems and there are no corners cut. The price for these systems just makes deal that much better.

Re: Do I need external steering? If so what kind?
 

Badkachina, I sell the Warlock Performance full systems with helm. Call or email for a price. These things are pretty easy to install. Warlock makes some of the nicest systems out there.

Finn,
[email protected]
510.541.8124

Re: Do I need external steering? If so what kind?
 

:eek: Normal people own boats :eek:

Re: Do I need external steering? If so what kind?
 

Spend the money in labor and get it done right, that is your life and crews safety.................never done it stay away from steering issues learn do
other things that are preventive maintenance and leave the steering to
someone who has done them over and over again. Safety is issue #1
and that is the most serious issue in the boat at high speeds. Just my .02