I have a HTM SR-24 with dual add on external steering.. I purchased a very low hour HD transom assembly with an Imco gimble ring.. I didn't know at the time I'd have to switch to a full hydraulic system to use it and I'm needing help on what I'll need.. Hardin Marine sells a kit for this upgrade for about 950 without a post but also offer an upgrade for a 4inch,6inch or 8 inch column .. my question is, do I need the column or can I use my existing column? Also in your guys experiences is this kit truly all I will need and what problems might I run into? Thanks in advance for any help or advice.

You need something to connect your steering wheel to the hyd helm. Your old cable stuff will not work for that.

Changing from cable with add-on hydraulic assist now. Almost complete. My add-on kit is all IMCO, so I ordered the the hydraulic conversion kit from IMCO. New helm, new tilt helm post, new hydraulic hoses (4 of them) and P/S filter. If you do order a new helm post, tilt or not, make sure your steering wheel will bolt up. I ordered a new wheel and had to modify it to get it to bolt up. I would also measure and order all of the hoses pre-cut with the proper ends on them. What ever brand add-on assist kit you have now, I would buy the rest from the same company, just for ease of install. IMCO's kit has been easy-peazy to install. Everything fits just perfect. Call them and tell them what you have and they will gladly tell you exactly what you will need. You will need the measurement from the outside edge at centerline of the outdrive to the outside of the transom bracket. That info will help determine which helm you need for your steering lock to lock

Awesome.. thanks for the help.. it's a Mayfair system so that's the inside kit I'm ordering.. I'm okay with buying a used post/column if you guys or anyone else knows where I can get one..

Unfortunately, used helm posts are not hanging around much. I searched for months for a used one and had to bite the bullet and order new. The only issue I had with mine was the length of the hoses. They were way too long, so I had to hide the excess. You can cut the hoses to exact length and make it much easier and cleaner to install.

Yes sir.. I'm gonna give it a week or so and if nothing comes up I'll probably just have to buy new.. thanks for your advice 😊

Not fancy billet but you can paint them really nice. I might have a 3" or 6" at my shop.
https://www.midweststeering.com/prod...eering-valves/

Thanks for the option Rookie... 🙂 gotta a line on a nice used billet one if something falls thru I may hit you up.