Hydraulic Steering upgrade
 

Ok 24 owners I need some help and advise.

I am upgrading my steering to full hydraulic this winter and need some input on who makes a good set up?
I have a single external ram on the stock bravo setup with a 496.

Any one done this? Any advise, lessons learned, from your experience?

I have looked around at kits and there are a few to choose from but I am not sure I know all the details to look for.

Re: Hydraulic Steering upgrade
 

I had marine machine on my 24 pantera.
Great Customer Service!!!

Re: Hydraulic Steering upgrade
 

Hi T.
Dave M. did a similar upgrade a year or two ago. I'm sure he'll share his experiences... :cool:
Is you plan to add the hydraulic helm and stay with the single external piston? or go twin ram?
If you are just changing the helm, make sure that you get one that will handle the extra volume of a twin ram set up. Then you'll be ready for the next upgrade too... :D
I have Imco stuff and it works great, but I do like the tilt helm that Superboat has been installing.
Maybe ask John to quote you the parts, I don't think he'd mark the stuff up too much.
This spring when you go to bleed the system, I have a trick or two for you I've learned the hard way... :rolleyes:

Re: Hydraulic Steering upgrade
 

i have a marine machine hydrolic steering system for sale with a bravo wingplat...dual rams ......i'll let it go for a great price plus shipping PM if you're intrested

Mike

Re: Hydraulic Steering upgrade
 

I converted my single ram partial system to full. It was money well spent. Having another ram would be nice but I would opt to complete the system over adding another ram. My steering is very precise, I can take my hand off the wheel at 70 mph and the boat keeps going straight.

Parts you will need.....
1. hydraulic helm unit, like Pat said, get the model that can handle a dual ram system.
2. HP hose, 3 runs from the transom to the helm.
3. LP hose, 1 run from transom to helm.
4. filter
5. misc. fittings

You can get all that stuff in a kit.

I replaced my steering column too, that may be optional depending on what you have now. An overflow tank is optional too, I don't have one and never had any problems.

It's a pretty easy job to do. I did it myself and I am NOT a mechanic. Cutting the HP hose is tough! I used a cut off wheel. I got most of my parts from IMCO. My external stuff is Marine Machine, but it's just hydraulics, it's all compatible as long as you have the correct fittings.

Re: Hydraulic Steering upgrade
 

Thanks guys, good stuff, this will help.

My externals are also Marine Machine. At this time I will stay wit the single ram, but take Pats advice to size for a dual set up. I would like to do this with a kit rather than try and piece it together.

This is a much needed safety upgrade for me, my present steering is NOT precise at any speed. :eek:

Re: Hydraulic Steering upgrade
 

Call MM.
They will help you put a kit together.

Re: Hydraulic Steering upgrade
 

T Isl If Your Boat Was Delivered With A Single Ram Its Not MM Its Performance Marine Zeiger Stuff //I Dont Remember How I Rigged Your Boat???

Re: Hydraulic Steering upgrade
 

LS, you are correct. By bad.