Hydrolic or cable

[JoeW]

I'm in the process of installing 15 year old 100 hp Merc O/B on a 5 year old aluminum hull. My outboard came equiped with a hydrolic steering system (SeaStar). The hull came equiped with a Teleflex rack & pinion cable system. I prefer the hydrolic system so, I've already removed the cable and replaced them with the hydrolic lines. The last task for steering is to mount the steering pump onto the dash, but this is where I choke. This requires that I cut a bigger hole in the dash to accomodate the pump (90 mil aluminum + 3/4 inch plywood backing. I figured on using a reciprocating saw to make the cut. Someone please tell me I'm doing the right thing before i make this cut. <br /> <br />Here are some pictures:<br /> Hydrolic Steering Pump

 

[Bondo]

Re: Hydrolic or cable

You'll be happier with your results if you get a Hole Saw of the proper Diameter......<br />Knock that piece of plywood out of there,+ replace it with a new piece, to help center the hole saw....<br />If that's carpet on the dash, you may need to melt/cut it back, out of the way of the saw...<br />A jigsaw, or saw-zall Cuts on the "up" stroke,+ Can really leave a nasty edge.....

 

[JoeW]

Re: Hydrolic or cable

Thanks Bondo! <br />I will try the hole saw. Do you think I ought to be concerned about that big heavy steering pump mounted on that little dash? There was a tiny amount of flex in the dash even with the old rack & pinion system. I don't want to weaken it too much, or am I worried over nothing?<br /><br />-Joe

 

[Bondo]

Re: Hydrolic or cable

I don't think it would be a Problem......<br />But, If YOU Think it's a Problem, Back it up with a Larger piece of Plywood, to distrubute the load to a bigger area......