OK. here is the problem. 2002 Bravo 1 drives. Starboard steering is loose. To much play. I was told that the transom assbly and the bell housing needs to be replaced. The pins/shaft on the steering arm that's in the transom is worn out. If I get full hydraulic steering? can this existiing steering problem be ignored? Will the ext. steering take all the stress etc. from the old Merc. steering? Or I have to fix it and get the external steering installed? I already heared both sides.
Any input will be appreciated? (Best external system for the $ ? )

As long as the drive is only loose side to side hydr strg will fix it, if it's loose up and down too, then you still need to fix the transom assembly. I have IMCO strg on mine and have been very pleased with it.

I have used IMCO and Marine Machine. I like the Marine Machine system better. The steering ram rods are bigger diam.

Wasn't there someone (I believe in Ohio) that was doing quality repairs to Merc transom assemblies with this symptom?
I would look into that- I guess I'm the type that can't live with the knowledge I have something worn back there.....

Marine Machine all the way- just take a look at the rams, brackets and hardware in comparison to all the others.