I am in a bit of a dilemma. I have a 24 ft. Advantage with a Whipple Charged 502 mpi (620 hp+), and after 20 years with this setup, just had my first steering malfunction. I have been using the standard Bravo I mechanical steering (cable), however, due to safety concerns, I have a Drew Marine Sidewinder steering stabilizer installed. It is only a single ram and serves as a shock absorber. Nothing catastrophic happened, I simply believe my cable is in need of replacement as my outdrive/steering has gotten real loose and the boat won't steer straight under power.
Here are my questions....
1) As a single engine v-bottom capable of 85mph, all I have ever heard is that I need external steering and that if my steering ever failed under full power (it never has in 20 years), it could be very bad (even with my Sidewinder steering stabilizer). So my question is.....do I REALLY need the external steering? Or is that blown out of proportion and the Sidewinder will likely keep the drive from flailing wildly in the event of a snapped cable?
2) If I do go the external steering route, do I need duel ram? Single ram? Full Hydraulic? Only an assist system? My boat is 22 years old, and probably only worth about $18-20k....so I'd rather not spend $5-10k on a steering system. Are there cheaper options? IMCO? I know a dual ram full hydraulic system would be rock solid and I could take my hand off the wheel without movement....but honestly, I lived with the feel of a standard system for years. I'm only interested in the safety side of it in the event of a steering failure.
Any advice would be welcome and I apologize in advance if this has been discussed ad nauseam!
Thanks.....The Nerd
Here are my questions....
1) As a single engine v-bottom capable of 85mph, all I have ever heard is that I need external steering and that if my steering ever failed under full power (it never has in 20 years), it could be very bad (even with my Sidewinder steering stabilizer). So my question is.....do I REALLY need the external steering? Or is that blown out of proportion and the Sidewinder will likely keep the drive from flailing wildly in the event of a snapped cable?
2) If I do go the external steering route, do I need duel ram? Single ram? Full Hydraulic? Only an assist system? My boat is 22 years old, and probably only worth about $18-20k....so I'd rather not spend $5-10k on a steering system. Are there cheaper options? IMCO? I know a dual ram full hydraulic system would be rock solid and I could take my hand off the wheel without movement....but honestly, I lived with the feel of a standard system for years. I'm only interested in the safety side of it in the event of a steering failure.
Any advice would be welcome and I apologize in advance if this has been discussed ad nauseam!
Thanks.....The Nerd