Looking for an education on hydraulic steering, specifically the pros/cons and details on "add-on" systems vs "full" systems. Obviously interested in costs and level of effort as well. This would be for a twin Bravo installation.

Thanks!

you wont need it till you buy those 600 Sterlings!!!

Best is full hydraulic. I ran a cable/hydraulic for years in a 77 mph boat with no problems. Cost was alot less than full hydraulic. Personally IMO if you make sure the cable is fresh and greased regularly, then an add on system is O.K. if you are on a budget. It sure beats no hydraulic at all !!!

Dockrocker,
I posted a similar thread a few months ago asking "why a full hydraulic system is safer than an add on using the steering cable". No one could really offer a true explanation. The answer I keep getting is a full hydraulic is better. My question has always been, how does the hydraulic cylinders on the transom of the boat know how they are actuated? Does the steering cable have more stress on it at 70 MPH than 30MPH? If so, explain how. Or, is this all a matter of ease of steering at low docking RPM. I'm anxious to hear the responses you get.

I was with a guy on a poker run last year that the" Full "steering broke its not fool proof!

I've driven both, I own full hydraulic.
From my experiences, the "add on"
has more "play" in it.
From, 1. cable slop.
And 2. the required movement of the cable
to activate the steer valve.

Either one is better than none.......I just
prefer the quicker reaction of the full hyd. setup.

Here's a little test for you, next time you have your boat out. You can start in the no wake area. Point the boat straight, hold the wheel stationary and see if the boat stays straight. Try it again at several different speeds, if it stays straight you probably don't need the full hydraulic stearing. If it wanders all over, then you'll see the advantages of the stock cable and external add ons.

I had Cable/Hyd on the Bullet.....Ran to PIB with a bud in 6+
seas..Had a ball Lotsa air....Stopped to pull into the harbor & the Helm unit let go ! Freewheeled....I'll NEVER be without FULL Hyd again !!

The cost difference is about $1000.00 between the two.

I think the threat comes from total loss of steering. I'd imagine that a burst in the hydraulics is VERY rare (if ever)but could imagine a cable snapping very easily. Even a full hydraulic leaking is going to be gradual giving the driver time to react compared to a cable snapping. Am I getting closer???