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External Hydraulic Steering from Bravo Steering Ram

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Old 04-27-2025 | 02:16 PM
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Default External Hydraulic Steering from Bravo Steering Ram

I just snagged a Baja Boss 232 for the trailer. Need it for the '76 Formula 233.

Boat came from Vernon, BC. Ran in fresh water. Has external hydraulic steering rams that are plumbed into the Bravo factory steering ram system.

How does this compare to the full hydraulic helm system?

I wamt to use these external rams on my TRS. Assuming I can hook them up the same way to the factory TRS hyd system on the transom plate?

What is my best COA?
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Old 04-27-2025 | 02:26 PM
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Old 04-27-2025 | 03:06 PM
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It will still wander without the hydraulic helm.
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Old 04-27-2025 | 03:23 PM
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So it just pushes the rams back and forth as they equalize?
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Old 04-27-2025 | 07:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Tartilla
How does this compare to the full hydraulic helm system?

What is my best COA?
It is an add on package and it really doesn't compare to a full hydraulic helm system. Just a little added safety over stock system.

Buy a Char-Lynn hydraulic helm, 3 high pressure lines, 1 low pressure return line and go full hydraulic. Best investment in your boat you can make.
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Old 04-27-2025 | 08:06 PM
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it is better than without as the tiller is not the only steering contact point but not as good a full hydraulic. as said you have most of the system now so all you need is the helm and some hose so I would go full hydraulic. once you do you will hate that you didnt do it sooner.
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Old 04-28-2025 | 12:21 AM
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I had the add on system on my 28 Pantera. If you let go of the wheel, it still pulled to to one side. It was also hard to turn at low rpms. I have full hyd on my AT and it is a night and day difference.
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Old 04-28-2025 | 05:02 AM
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It’s terrible. The feeling you get is you turn the wheel and you have to wait for the hydraulic system to catch up. It is safer though.
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Old 04-28-2025 | 10:43 AM
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Originally Posted by Rookie
It is an add on package and it really doesn't compare to a full hydraulic helm system. Just a little added safety over stock system.

Buy a Char-Lynn hydraulic helm, 3 high pressure lines, 1 low pressure return line and go full hydraulic. Best investment in your boat you can make.
This !!!. The hydraulic helm is somewhere around 150$ plus the hoses. You could almost cover all the cost by selling the merc power steering cylinder. I have one season with full hyd, and never ever consider any cable steering, it is so sweet.
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Old 04-28-2025 | 03:25 PM
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Originally Posted by compedgemarine
it is better than without as the tiller is not the only steering contact point but not as good a full hydraulic. as said you have most of the system now so all you need is the helm and some hose so I would go full hydraulic. once you do you will hate that you didnt do it sooner.
So it gives the Bravo Tiller arm a bit of a break, (a weak Bravo 1 issue) and helps a bit on the stability side.

Check.

Sounds like the lines and helm control are the way to go. Cleans up the transom a lot as well, if the transom plate steering mount is milled off.
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