converting to hydraulic steering

[J cubed]

I am going to convert my Grady White 208 over to hydraulic steering in the spring and also install a Lowrance autopilot. Any tips or suggestions will be greatly appreciated. I have read that I may need to disconnect the outboard. I would like to avoid this if possible. Someone suggested cutting the steering rod in order to remove it from the outboard or cutting a hole in order to make a clearance. Does anyone have any experience with the installation of either of these units?

 

[dingbat]

I am going to convert my Grady White 208 over to hydraulic steering in the spring and also install a Lowrance autopilot. Any tips or suggestions will be greatly appreciated. I have read that I may need to disconnect the outboard. I would like to avoid this if possible. Someone suggested cutting the steering rod in order to remove it from the outboard or cutting a hole in order to make a clearance. Does anyone have any experience with the installation of either of these units?

I would opt for cutting the steering rod to remove. 4" grinder with the cut off wheel would make quick work of it.

 

[Marathon Man]

Look at Seastar (now Dometic) and also Uflex to find a model that utilizes a split support rod that goes into the tilt tube.
Thereby not requiring the motor to be removed.
I just did this with a Uflex.