Definitely get external steering. Sounds like a great project boat.

Here are the photos of the 2000 27' world class I promised. The project is coming along fine and ran the boat for the first time last weekend at Lake Mead (temp 73 degrees).

hey warlockin, i was the rigger at warlock, for the past 8 years. i know that boat like the back of my hand. let me know if i could help

Nice ride!