Donman

I am told that I need Hyd steering. I am looking over the different brands available.
Here`s the deal: I have never looked at a boat with hyd steering. I don`t know how it works or how it is connected for that matter. I see the big cylinder attached to the drive, but what else is there? If I do an add-on system, I still have cable steering right? So what is the advantage there?
Sorry for my ignorance, please educate me!

Gary Anderson

OK, I'll try,
Yes "add ons" use the existing cable, power steering pump, and valve to push external rams which move the drive. This is MUCH more stable and strong than moving it using the tiller arm. It also minimizes strain on the upper swivel pin/gimbal ring, a weak point on bravos.
A full hydraulic uses a hydraulic helm to push fluid through lines which actuate the rams. Can be power assisted or not. Eliminates the slop in a cable linkage with an add on.
Single ram results in an unbalanced system where turning the wheel in one direction has fewer turns (lock to lock) than the other.
Twin rams are balanced, same number of turns either way. Probably a little stronger than single ram
That's the basics as I know it.