You got the bragging rights with me Dave.
I ran solo last Sunday and saw 84-85 on the speedo, 77.1 on the GPS...:p

So if daves boat runs 77-78 and
pats boat runs 77.1 what the hell am I spending and extra 6k with full steering for????

Both Pat and Dave run full hydraulic steering. I ran a partial system for two years and am more that convinced that full is a requirement. I would never build a performance boat with out a full system again.

I had a 24' Pantera (same boat as the Super) with the stock Merc steering. IMO not safe in these boats over 60mph.

My 24' Super had twin external ram and a full hydraulic helm when I bought it. I can let go of the wheel at 70+ and the boat will track as straight as can be.

I can not comment as to how well the partial systems work. Dave and Tim have had them so they could tell you.

Now 6K extra to go from the stock Merc to external rams and full hydraulic helm is not a bad price. If that 6k is an upgrade from partial to full than I'd be questioning JC.

The partial system in my opinion was not safe. The first year it was fine, at the end of the second year it was sloppy. I have talked to a number of people who have experienced the same issue.

Then it becomes after market... and it think that depends on the builder and the location of the new owner.
ie: if the boat has a JCperf engine and its going to LI, its a no brainer. My boat sold because of the engine, and it went to NC, now its in FLA... so go figure.

IMO, if you have a stock 496, raylar is a proven way to get more HP, and anyone in the Offshore HP scene knows it. I think it would be better than most local guys working on it.
Its what i would do w/ a 496.

Then again, i don't know too many guys that would frown upon a ZUL750! :evilb:

Not to throw a wrench in K-wells build, but how about that 550hp sbc from raylar w/ headers for low 20s??? Pat? :cool:

K-Wells... the way i see it, all the serious HP boats have full Hydraulic steering. Every race boat has it... its got to be good to have. Had it on my 24pantera and it ran on rails... oh damn... i miss it now. :(

That is a real nice engine Storm, and would be great in a 24' Super for sure.
Unfortunately by the time you buy the engine, drive, and gimble separately you're close to the package price of a Merc Racing 525EFI Bravo XR.
I think the market for that small block is in a 28' to 32' twin.

IMO the 375HP 496Mag Bravo is about the best package deal out there for a 24' Super. The 5K for the upgrade to the HO and X drive would be a tough sale for me. But that is me, and I've not ever bought a new boat...

As far as the steering goes, it is definitely worth it. My 24 is 7 years old now and it has cable helm/external hydraulic. It is almost uncontrollable due the the wear on the cable system. At idle I leave a trail like a drunken sailor. I can't drive in a straight line. At speed, it's a bit scary to control cause you have to turn the wheel several degrees in either direction to get it to do what you want. Problem then is that you have most likely oversteered and now need to go back the other way.

That is why mine will have full hydraulic before it sees the water again!

My partial system never felt that great either. Lots of play in the steering. It seemed to require a lot more wheel input.