I'm in the middle of installing full hydraulic steering on my Heat. My question is for those who have installed the hydraulic helm. How did you go about it? Did you install it directly into the fiberglass or make a plate?

Mine I mounted straight to the helm I think I had to die grind out the fiberglass just a bit to make it fit. Was a really straight forward process.

My question was, is the 1/2" fiberglass enough to support the weight of the helm pump?

That is what I'm worried about, the bolt holes where the helm pump will be mounted.

I have a 280 Powerquest that I just installed steering on. Your pic above looks very similar to what I have. I made up two round aluminum plates to sandwich the fiberglass helm. I was worried that there wasn't enough meat/support there. I can't upload pics here but shoot me a pm with your email or # and I'll text them to you.

I agree with sandwich plates. Not gonna hurt anything, and if fabled correctly may look pretty cool.

Mine is a closed bow. Can't tell if yours is or not. But from memory on friends boats that MCOB that could be a little bit weaker? Mine seamed plenty stout on my closed bow. I put it on at the first of last season and had no issues in 73 hours last year and so far 8 more this year.

did mine directly to the fiberglass. it was imco as well.