my current steering setup is cable from helm to brazil valve to dual hyd cylinders (single drive, 25 foot cat)...boat is capable of over 100mph...

what are advantages, or safety reasons for going full hydraulic from helm....

thanks

gm

I am in the same "boat" as you. I have an add-on system now and want to go to a full system. I'm not running the speed you are but they say over 70 MPH you should not be running the stock steering. The week link is the steering cable going from the helm to the steering rack. Then were the tiller arm connects is not real heavy duty. To answer your question, hydraulic systems are much stronger and less prown to failure.

I used to have your exact steering set-up ,this year i went to full helm and got rid of cable and brazil valve. I did it to help handling(it did) and because if cable breaks boat can still flip or crash. Iv'e also seen Teauge marine says you should never run a setup similar to yours if you are running a nose cone or sportmaster lower,the extended front on the case amplifys movement even with the external rams and makes boat ill handled from play/movement in steering cable. I found it hard to believe with the twin rams pressurized that the drive could still wiggle around due to play in cable but after going complete hyd to helm ,most the chinewalking my boat did quit,Smitty

Think of the cable system, internal or external, as a "power assist" system. The only differences between internal and external cylinders is the amount of force that can be generated and where that force is connected to the parts. Cable systems, internal or external cylinders, use the "tiller arm" to actuate steering input so any play inherent in the actuation of the arm is still there. Also, if you have "any" softness in a cable system with external cylinders some of the steering load in a severe situation is still transmitted through the tiller arm.
Did this help you understand the differences?

I just completed this on my scarab this Week, The cost was $920.00 for the kit from Imco! I also put on a cordless trim steering wheel Total cost from that was around $700.00. It was real easy to install and prime! After I got all the parts on I cranked the engine over for about 30seconds, refilled the reservoir, then cranked it one more time, filled the reservoir again, than hooked up water and fired it up. had a friend turn the steering wheel from left to right very slow while I keep it full of fluid! then went from lock to lock several times! I wish it was a bit quicker, three turns lock to lock seem a bit much. After the first 10 min run I topped of the reservoir. The fluid lever hasn't moved since! I AM GLADE I DID THIS! really really smooth.

Bryan