Re: Steering Questions
 

I did have to replace my gimbal ring but that was before adding the hydraulic helm. My mechanic told me the gimbal was worn when I first bought the boat. Before going to the full system, I think the steering unit in back of the motor was wearing out. I could move the drive from side to side and hear air being pushed out the PS reservoir. The drive is rock solid now, and the steering works great. I thought about adding another ram. The trick will be to find another identical ram and hardware for a 8 yr. old setup. Plus, I think I am done spending $$ on this boat. I'm saving for other projects. :cool:

Re: Steering Questions
 

You will certainly have a much stronger steering system with an external ram vs. the crappy stock tiller arm. But to quote Lightspeed, the load is only from one side...
JC told us a racing story last spring; while racing the gimble on their boat broke but they were able to finish the race because the two external rams held the drive in place.
Like I said earlier, upgrading your steering is a vary wise decision... :drink:

Re: Steering Questions
 

I can vouch for what Pat just said... I watched a circle boat break a gimbal during a race but dual rams held it on while the boat slowed. Single ram could have made for one hell of a crash. IMHO the speeds we go in these type of boats warrents all the safety measures we can muster. The second ram is a big chunk of cash but well worth it.

I'll try and dig up the pictures of the transom after they pulled that boat up on the trailer!!!

Re: Steering Questions
 

with the 600 sci package and bravo xr,,,,,,,,,,,,one year from merc. no ext. avaiable :(