Power steering , to add one or not......

[vincechig1975]

I am beginning to resume the tear down phase of our boat ( 88 Cobia Cuddy) and origionally did not have power assist steering or anything for power steering, I have been toying with the idea of adding a unit ...but.... not sure of what I will need and where I could find the correct one for this thing, Ebay is an option but getting the correct one there could be an issue, and is there a link where I can find the correct parts listing(s) . It is and Alpha, with a 470. From what I have seen in the recent searches they look like a GM pump, is this correct, and can I just use one out of the bone yard? I understand the differences in marine and automotive, but is this a possibility or marine use only? Lemme know where and how to proceed here....thanks

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Power steering , to add one or not......

By far The best way to go is to find a complete unit off of a parted out 470. That way it is a pretty straight forward bolt in. You will have all of the correct plumbing for the power steering lines, pump, cooler and actuator. Should not be too hard to find. Here is what you are looking for: http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...=908&bnbr=240&bdesc=POWER+STEERING+COMPONENTS cooler # 26 http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...64.png&inbr=908&bnbr=120&bdesc=HEAT+EXCHANGER here is the actuator: http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...2203&bnbr=230&bdesc=POWER+STEERING+COMPONENTS If you can not find a complete unit e-bay is the right way to go, just type in "470 power steering". Good luck.

 

[vincechig1975]

Re: Power steering , to add one or not......

Thanks Stony, I'll give it a shot, now are there pro's n cons to having power steering, versus the manual setup? I just would like to make sure this will be worth my time and effort in the long run.

 

[Pete104]

Re: Power steering , to add one or not......

If your cable & helm are in good shape, you don't need P/S!

 

[vincechig1975]

Re: Power steering , to add one or not......

Does it make it easier to steer during at speed conditions or is it a hinderance? I am just trying to justify installing it at this point and thought while the rear end was torn up, adding it. My wife will be operating this as well and wanted to make it easier on her as well. Thanks for the opinion Pete.
They operate smoothly at this point there's no binding or issues that hinder steering but it seems to steer
more turns to the right than left......wonder what this is about now........

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Power steering , to add one or not......

It will probably make it easier for your wife. The torque from the spinning prop will tend help the boat turn better in one direction than the other.

 

[vincechig1975]

Re: Power steering , to add one or not......

Well I ordered all the parts for the power steering, now what type of fluid needs to be used in this system? Power steering fluid or maybe a 10w motor oil?

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Power steering , to add one or not......

The "book" (manual #8) says automatic transmission fluid. Type F, Dextron or Dextron II. I believe there is a Quicksilver power steering fluid too.