Hydraulic steering
 

Now that I've decided to keep my 260. I want to put Full Hydraulic steering on it. I'm confused as to the different lengths of cylinders. Most have 2 or 3 options. I put a new used drive on it that came off a Fountain. So it has the steering end cap already on it. Will any steering system work with that?

Post a pic of what you have then the help will be more helpful. :rolleyes:

I did the IMCO Uni Mount on my Formula 292 last winter, and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it.
Full Hydro to the helm. ran all the hoses, brackets, etc. all myself. I am very happy with the results.

Not an inexpensive project, but was very worth it.

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Ok this is what im working with

You could add a single or dual ram setup for a single bravo. I would do full hydro vs. the 1/2 kit.

when i did mine i lost a half turn on the steering wheel, not a big deal. i just did the rear transom mount, NOT full hydraulic. there is also different width mounting caps for the drive also. i currently have 2 different width caps. I'm going to put the wider one on when i put my Teague Platinum drive on with the standard-length sport master. i can take a pic later when i go out in the garage to give you an idea. glad to hear your keeping the Prowler.

Work off of the measurements provided with the manufacturer's installation instructions before ordering. Your stringer location(s) will be a factor in determining the correct ram length.

i followed my installation instructions to a T. inside the boat where the thru-hull fittings go is pretty much wide open.
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Hardin marine told me no one makes the rams for the Fountain end cap anymore. That didn't make sense to me. I'd like to use it since it's already on the drive. Prowler, what is the measurement from the transom assembly to where you mounted the ram to the transom? I'll be going to the Miami boat show this year. So I'll be checking all the systems out in person.

do you plan on adding more power? a nose cone on mine made a huge difference over 70 mph.

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Instructions

No, I'm not planning on more power. 70mph is good enough for me. Lol! I put on a new gimbal ring last year. So I figured hydraulic would be a good thing to add. I also feel my 12x12 Bennett tabs need replacing too. The porpoise at cruising speed drives me nuts. And I feel I have to drop the tabs too much to stop it. I figure longer tabs would do it. Looking at Dana hp 900 or 750. Thoughts? Steering first? Then bigger tabs? Or bigger tabs and no steering. I'm torn. But I do appreciate the advice Prowler. And all you guys giving comments and advice. So Prowler have you run that new bad ass motor in that boat yet?

i really don't think you need the steering on it. i would go with bigger tabs. the only way to get away from the porpoising is to go faster, lol.i haven't gotten on mine yet, 72 mph @ 4200 rpms with a 34 pitch. i didn't want to blow my stock drive. now i have a Teague Platinum still only rated for 825 HP. but if i can make a stock Bravo one last 550 hrs and still be a good drive, i should be OK with the Teague. i still might have to change the gears in it. it has the 1.50. i can still get on plane easy, less than 3000, tabs down, drive tucked. my Prowler 60 mph is a good cruise speed. no tabs needed and no positive drive trim.

Thanks Prowler. I'm gonna be going to the Miami boat show. So I'll be checking stuff out while I'm there.

there's really nothing i can think of to add on mine. maybe upgrade the stereo deck, it still has the stock one with that thing they call a cassette player, remember them things? i had added a 6 disk CD player and a couple of amps, it's loud, it thumps, i can make ripples on the water when i crank it up.

i would put the steering money into engine upgrades and 380 tabs i don't think the steering makes any difference till the mid 80s and up

I like that advice. Although...380 tabs, those are huge! I was thinking 280 tabs

wow cassettes? Lol and cd player? I just installed a kenwood blue tooth radio. I then use my phone to play spotify. It was cheap 120 bucks.

Back in the day, my 1999 Prowler came from the factory with Imco single ram, back cap installation. It was a great setup.

that's why i have to upgrade it. that's the original stereo from 1998. worst part about it, it still works, try saying that about something in today's world you bought.

The best upgrade you can do to your boat is go full hydraulic steering. Not a 1/2 hydraulic system, not a tab upgrade and not adding more power. I will never own a cable steering boat again. It will always be my first upgrade. Just went through this with a friend. 38' Fountain 80 mph, 380 tabs, and cable steering. Kind of a handful to drive at any speed, added 1/2 system and it tamed it down. Added full system and now you can go vacuum the cabin and the boat will drive itself. My Panther slowed down a couple mph after I added full hydraulic steering because the boat was planted in the water instead of chine walking and purposing. Remember loose is fast! lol

This x 100.

I did an IMCO Uni Mount on my Formula 292. Twin Bravo 1 drives behind Merc. 350s.
Fully hydro from helm to back. Installed by me, myself, and I.
Can't say enough good about it. Before you'd fight the wheel all damn day and it would hook right if you ever let go, and I was already looking at new boats.

Now with the IMCO steering, it holds any position, it drives dead strait, you can use your pinky to spin the boat on a dime. It should be legally required that any boat over 300HP get full hydro steering. It's like nothing else. Cruising is effortless now, WOT it's on rails. Not a cheap add-on that's for sure, but worth every penny. Now, I love my boat again, and plan to keep it as long as I can. Feel MUCH safer running, docking, etc.