Full Hydraulic Steering Conversion
 

Guys,

I have begun the steering conversion on the PQ. This is gonna take me a hot minute, as I am working it in when I have time here at the shop and I’m taking my time, doing it right.

So far:

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...9020c61d6.jpeg
I’ve got the drive bracket installed.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...5173ab666.jpeg
I already had to deal with the grounding washer that the Mayfair kit doesn’t take into account with the drive bracket mounting bosses. I machined 1/16” off the pertinent boss, to account for the thickness of this washer, and the bracket lines up perfectly.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...34116e891.jpeg
And the transom bracket bolt holes are marked. Pretty sure I’m going to have to cut away some of the floor panel that is attached to the top of the stringer on the side of the engine well, because, as best I can measure, that appears to be right where the thru-transom bolt holes are going to break through, and I’ll need some space for the washer plate on the inside. We’ll find out soon enough.

Any advice for a layman on drilling these holes without chipping the gelcoat? Specific type of drill bit? Learned techniques?

My intention is to seal the newly exposed raw wood with WestSystems epoxy before installing the bracket with a proper sealant. Speaking of which….

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...d6dedd315.jpeg

Mayfair’s instructions say to use 3M 5200, but that makes me a bit nervous. That sh!t seems to be forever (not that I think this bracket is ever coming back off). It’s been suggested I use BoatLife Life Seal, which appears to be about the same as 4200, only clear and more expensive. Suggestions here?

Feel free to chime in with advice, critiques, whatever.

Thanks. Brad.

Start drilling with the drill in reverse, to avoid chipping. Lifeseal comes in other colors, white and black are available too.

I can't help with the tech but I can say you will be worth the effort. Years ago I had a 1998 Velocity 280 that did not have hydraulic steering. After owning it for years I had full hydraulic steering installed. WOW...what a difference.

Padraig

Padraig,

That’s what I keep hearing. The CFO isn’t convinced, but I think she will be.

Thanks. Brad.

Also, I suspect that the reason the Mayfair bracket does not take into account the grounding washer, is that the bracket is bare aluminum and thus will be grounded to the outdrive when assembled, without the need for the grounding washer.

I used the 4200 type sealer when I installed the rams and hose thru hulls on my boat. Funny you mention the part about the location of holes, as when I put my rams on, when went in between my drives, my inner plate I believe was hitting my center stringer which is huge and high up on the formula. I too had to modify my backing plate. In fact one of my 4 bolts ended up being changed to a lag vs a bolt as it went right into where the stringer was.

Good luck. It is quite amazing the difference, handles like it’s on rails.

DrFeelgood,

I believe the bracket is stainless; certainly feels considerably heavier than aluminum.

Apparently, the stud isn’t a reliable conductor into the helmet. If it were, Merc wouldn’t have incorporated the grounding washer. With that said, the bracket isn’t going to change that.

Machining an equivalent of the washer from the mounting boss of the bracket allowed me to keep the washer as Merc intended, and didn’t affect the fit and alignment of the bracket segments.

Thanks. Brad.

Makes sense. And yeah, I questioned my fingers as they typed out Aluminum, because that didn't seem right, so Stainless is more reasonable for sure. Thanks.

Guys,

Interesting discovery, getting back in the shop this morning….

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...b813a0c61.jpeg
I had to remove the drive shower, as it’s in conflict with the rear plate of the drive steering bracket. And, I guess the lack of tension on the bolts lead to this:

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...eb94d2c8c.jpeg
Oops…. :poopoo:

I guess my drive oil reservoir lines are flowing freely enough. :rolleyes: I obviously snugged the bolts down and wiped up the mess.

On a better front….

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...e573738c4.jpeg
I used a 7/16” speed bore to spot face through the gelcoat without chipping.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...dab337c68.jpeg
Worked great. Next, I’ll use a drill guide to drill through nice and square with a 13/32” drill bit.

Thanks. Brad.

Thanks.

Dual ram or single???

Padraig