The fitting rotted away, luckily at the dock. I am going to install the new hose today but have some questions. Do I have to bleed the system, as it might be dry now? Or is it self bleeding? Also, do I use regular power steering fluid? Thanks. t

I used either PS fluid, or Merc's stuff (over-priced). The system should bleed itself. Connect everything. Fill the reservoir and fire it up. Turn the wheel "lock to lock" a few times while watching the reservoir level.

I WOULD USE ATF FLUID !!!!!

and yes on the bleeding part !

When mine broke I called Latham for a replacement and they told me how to bleed the system too. I don't remember now but it was kind of a pain in the rear.

Take belt off power steering pump belt use a 1/2 in drill with a hex socket to spin the pump. makes talking to person bleeding the rams easier. While spining the pump turn wheel to lock on one side then bleed lines on rams. loosen ends closest to the piston. when ram extended hose out by the ram when ram retracted hose away from ram end. then turn wheel other way and do same, repeat untill no air.

If you don' t get all the air the system fluid will be pushed out of the fill can as the remaining air is forced out. So make sure you have some rags and extra fluid when you take the boat on the water. Its nothing to be concerned about just messy.

Use ATF. The system should self bleed when you turn the steering wheel lock to lock several times and keep adding the ATF as you go.