Merc 3.0 - fitting power steering/alpha 1

[bowler]

hi again all,

is it possible/feasible to retrofit power steering to my boat. maxum 1700, merc 3.0lk, alpha 1 gen II. these boats are not as cheap over here in ireland as they are in the state where i'm sure it wouldn't be worth it! just a thought...

cheers,

darren

 

[rabeck5792]

Re: Merc 3.0 - fitting power steering/alpha 1

mercruiser makes a kit for the 3.0L.

 

[bowler]

Re: Merc 3.0 - fitting power steering/alpha 1

ahhh. i thought so. anyone ever fitted one before?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Merc 3.0 - fitting power steering/alpha 1

Ayuh,... You need the Pump, it's bracketry, the hoses,+ the transom mount actuator..
And another belt of course...

 

[Don S]

Re: Merc 3.0 - fitting power steering/alpha 1

Why don't you just get something like the SeaStar hydraulic steering. Does the same thing, but a lot cheaper and easier than the full power steering system and all that goes with it.

 

[bowler]

Re: Merc 3.0 - fitting power steering/alpha 1

hi don,

thanks for the advice. would this system offer similar results to power steering?

my situation is that the boat has had the trim tab cut down to afford a larger prop and hence the torque steer is more pronounced than normal and steering can be very hard. i suppose an alternative would be to put on an original prop and trim tab?

anyways, i've e-mailed a supplier in england to see if they stock the parts.

all further advice is welcome.

thanks,

darren.

 

[Bronc Rider]

Re: Merc 3.0 - fitting power steering/alpha 1

What about a different style trim tab? This one sits behind the prop.
http://www.iboats.com/Mercury_Marine_Trim_Tab/dm/*******.207358832--**********.890431123--view_id.39250

This is the one normally used. The one above is recessed in the back of the anode.

You should be able to run the big prop if you use the trim tab in the first pic.

 

[bowler]

Re: Merc 3.0 - fitting power steering/alpha 1

that could be the cheapest option or at least a good short term solution.

cheers!

 

[Don S]

Re: Merc 3.0 - fitting power steering/alpha 1

would this system offer similar results to power steering?

Yes.
The helm unit is actually a hydraulic motor. As you turn the steering wheel. it pumps hydraulic oil to the cylinder, and you can NOT push the drive back and forth without turning the wheel. So even without a trim tab, you can take your hands off the wheel and it will stay where you put it.

 

[bowler]

Re: Merc 3.0 - fitting power steering/alpha 1

just ordered the tab. hopefully i'll see some results. if not i'll look into the hydraulics.

thanks guys.

 

[bowler]

Re: Merc 3.0 - fitting power steering/alpha 1

just heard back from the supplier on the hydraulics. looking like ?850ish (see below) - ouch!


1 off HM3008 2.0 cu.in helm pump @ ?317.31+ vat

1 off HM3264 BA135 7EM cylinder @ ?324.91 + vat

2 off HM3242/6.1 6.1M hose assemblies @ ?63.98 each + vat

2 off HM3223/1 Seastar oil 1 litre @ ?9.50 each + vat.



think i'll stick with the trim tab for the time being. out of curiosity, how much would a power steering kit be if this is the cheaper option??

cheers,

darren.

 

[bowler]

Re: Merc 3.0 - fitting power steering/alpha 1

just had a quote for PS kit. ?1500 + vat. Hydraulics are way cheaper!