Hydraulic steering?

Jeff Fro

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Just starting to restore/renovate an 86 YDH fishing boat. It will be getting a mercruiser drive package with an Alpha 1 out drive. I know there are certain hp restrictions for certain steering types. I have a power steering pump and cooler on the mercruiser engine that will be going into this boat. The original steering was a rack and pinion gear setup that was cut when someone took the original motor out.

My questions are: Can I use a hydraulic steering setup with the power steering system that is on the motor? Or can I use a hydraulic steering system as a stand alone steering system? Or am I limited to a mercruiser mechanical/power steering system that comes with the mercruiser package?

Thanks for the help.

Jeff
 

Bondo

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Ayuh,.... Generally speakin', Hyd steerin' set-ups are independent of the P/S system,....

It could be run with, or without the P/S assist,.....

There's no limit on which system ya use, just the set-ups vary,....
 

alldodge

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My questions are: Can I use a hydraulic steering setup with the power steering system that is on the motor? Or can I use a hydraulic steering system as a stand alone steering system? Or am I limited to a mercruiser mechanical/power steering system that comes with the mercruiser package?

Sterndrive hydraulic steering

The add-on system uses your PS pump and installs a shuttle vale on the steering ram. Removes the link connection to the steering arm inside the boat, and lines exit to cylinders. This system reduces the amount of play at the helm, but does not remove all of it. The PS pump supplies pressure for steering.

The full system, removes the internal steering ram, cable and helm. Replaces helm with hydraulic unit and lines going to external cylinders. This system removes all play in steering. The PS pump supplies pressure for steering
 

Jeff Fro

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alldodge

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Man I wish I could post pics

Would this be a suitable hydraulic unit for the helm?
https://www.iboats.com/shop/pub/medi...00458749_1.jpg

EDIT: No that looks like one for an inboard which uses a rudder
Here are instructions
http://www.hardin-marine.com/instruc...-hydraulic.pdf

You won't need the valve with a full system. If you get an add-on system it will come in the kit. There are different manufactures like Mayfair, IMCO and Zeiger

The shuttle valve is actually called a Brazilian (my bad) steering manifold
http://www.hardin-marine.com/p-11484...-manifold.aspx

Hardin is a good place to look and gather info and installation info. May also be a place to buy, but may find same system for less elsewhere
http://www.hardin-marine.com/c-782-h...g-systems.aspx
 

Jeff Fro

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Nov 17, 2017
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202
Great info! Thanks. I'll be checking with my hydraulic supplier in the morning for something that will work.
 
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