I have a good amount of steering slop - It seems like the slop is in the steering helm - not at the drive.

Someone explain where the slop could be coming from and how to fix it..

The drive isn't moving the same time you turn the wheel? Little bit of delay in motion? My guess is stretched steering cable.

Probably not the answer your looking for, but I had a 26 Outlaw, had similar problem. I had single ram Hydrolic steering installed and fixed it perfectly. I would check the cable and wiggel the drive and see how much play is there.

Hydraulic is definitely the way to go if you have a need for it... Its ideal in any situation, but if your not pushing 60+ mph, I don't believe its worth the extra money, save it for gas.

If it is your cable I will sell mine out of my 25 ol for $50. I think with your LOTO running out should go with a single ram add on.

How many hours did you have on your 26 before this started happening?

Like 25 hours, I actually had some business that required me to travel up in NC and I had Fountain put it on. I don't remember what they charged, but if I don't remember that means it must have been reasonable. I think it was Latham Single ram, I actually sold the boat soon after, kind of why I don't have the exact numbers I gave all that stuff to the new owner. But I do remember the steering being much better and the sloppy left to right gone.

I'd like to do go the hydraulic route. What components are removed/replaced/added with a single ram system? Obviously the hyd cylinder...what is the source of hyd pressure? The stock power steering pump?

Teach me something today guys...

Yes Mike it's with the stock power steering pump. You will also need a hydraulic helm to replace the cable driven stock helm behind your wheel........ Violator has a very sweet set-up that is easy to install and priced very reasonably....... Call me if you are interested and I will give you steve's #............