Hydraulic steering

[fission]

I am planning on replacing my cable steering on my 26 ft. Thompson Hardtop, It is equipped with twin 4.3 mercruisers, and is a fairly heavy boat with all the fishing gear. I am going with a Teleflex Hydraulic system and a Simrad ap16 autopilot. My question is- should I leave the power assist that the boat came equipped with, on or should I remove it and soley use the teleflex with no assist from the engine driven power steering system ? I have been given opinions from both sides, some say it will steer too easy with both systems running and will cause oversteer ??? Not sure I agree, but would like some other opinions.

 

[fission]

Re: Hydraulic steering

If anyone has any thoughts on this I would really like to hear them, even just your opinions, ideally someone who has done this on a similar boat would be the best help, but thats not always so easy to find. Thanks !!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Hydraulic steering

Well,..... This is Apples & Oranges,........But, Anyway,......<br /><br />The closest I've gotten to what you're asking is the Barge pictured in OMC's thread about Redneck Projects,.. Down in the Tech forum......<br /><br />On the Barge, I bought a used Racing Helm on ebay, some Proracer's Wife was cleaning out the back of the Shop,.......<br />I believe it was a dual circuit Hydronautic,......<br />We had it hooked up to a dual ram system turning dual 250hp Johnrudes,......<br />When we plumbed in the Raytheon Autopilot is when the "Steering Effort" got near extreme,......<br />It seemed that the Auto system didn't let go,+ you had to turn thru all the extra plumbing.....<br />It's manageable,.... But you can't just Spin the wheel,....... <br />'Course,.. With Twins,.. Why would you Want Too,.??<br /><br />So,.....<br />I really haven't a Clue as to How your system will work,...........<br />About the Only Thing in common,... Is that they both Float.............. <br /><br />Good Luck,.......