Still seeking an economical solution to play in the helm on an 82 Scarab II. My thought now is to upgrade the helm to a teleflex hydraulic setup. Question is, how will this integrate with the existing power assist setup? Is this a worthwhile change or should I just get a new rotary helm and cable and call it a day. Any input would be appreciated.

1212, I see no one has chimmed in here, I wondering if it might get answered in one of the tech forums? I'd be curious to see what the solution is.

First what system do you have? Stock cable helm system? If this is what you have, is your play from a worn out cable? Worn tiller arms? I had the stock cable system on my Panther and didn't think it was bad. I had Drew Marine Sidewinder steering stabilizers on the drives. I then sold them as I was piecing together an external ram system. I ran the boat a few times without the Sidewinders and with just stock cable helm, power steering pump, and steering cylinder system and it was a DEATH TRAP!! I was afraid to go over 50mph. I then tried to tighten where the tiller connected to the drive and it was just to worn out to get rid of the play. I never thought of using a Teleflex closed helm pump directly to the stock steering cylinder, but this would not solve my problem. I had play in the cable but more play in the tiller/drive connection.
If your looking for a helm pump I have a Hynautic H21 2.75ci/rev just need the reservoir/valve tank.

To be honest, i am not certain as to the source of the play. if i watch the system operate the only place there is noticeable movement is on a large bolt close to the end of the cable on the power assist assembly, ill post the pic if i can. after further thought, i assumed this was how the ram system was activated but im not sure. i just took a look under the dash and watched the system move there and the cable moves immediately with input from the wheel. Im not sure if this rules out a helm problem but I guess my main difficulty is in diagnosing the problem.
here is the only place where there is noticeable movement. the big bolt in the middle.

Additionally, the tiller arms dont appear to have any play. All parts on this boat are supposedly stock. The helm in there now looks different than the rotary units on teleflex's website. Am i missing something? here is whats in there now.

Set the boat on a trailer and give the outdrive a shake . If every thing stay's still and the out drive moves my bet is that the tiller arm is worn. This is a common problem . good luck

ill check out the tiller arms. im not too sure of their anatomy but will the play be visible where it sticks out of the transom into the engine compartment or is the play normally on the other side of the tiller arm that connects internally?

They are behind the engines. They are what connects the steering cylinder that you posted to the drives. Look up in there. See arrow on pic.