Need for external steering?

[Gromet]

I would be interested in anyone's feedback regarding using external steering vs the "standard" internal Mercruiser Steering.

I'm running a 24' Stiletto with a 454 MAG. Speedo claims low 80's, I expect it's more like low 70's.

Outboards are more likely to chine walk simply because there is so much less weight. With my setup, (1,177 lbs engine & drive), the back of the boat never even considers leaving the water - providing a smooth ride.

I typically use the boat only on lakes where the largest waves are always wakes from other boats and I frankly don't see the need for external steering. I have read several places that 70 is the cutoff and have also read about other members who have installed this at much lower speeds
.

If I was running offshore, that would be different. If I ever get the funding for The Whipple Blower, that too would probably be different, but for my current ride, I'm having a hard time even considering it.

Any feedback on this?

 

[JY]

I think it\s unlikely that you're even running a true 70 mph, but who knows - you should gps her. I installed dual ram external steering on my zt230 with the 496HO - top speed mid - 70s, gps. I love the precision control and obviously very safe. The biggest benefit was when I pulled out the old cable steering I found that the pin connecting everything was a breath from falling completely apart. Would have been very bad news if she'd snapped at 75 on a rough day. Bye Bye John. I installed the XS performance system that is again being sold on OSO - very beefy system and no complaints three years out. Very time consumming to install, even if you're half-decent on the wrench.

 

[vinny p.]

I am a firm believer in dual ram full hydraulic steering. I will never own a boat without it again. The safety factor you get from it is worth the cost alone, let alone the feel you get from the wheel. The load it removes from the gimbal is extreme as well. Truth of it is, anyone of us are going fast enough to end up on our heads if there is a steering related failure. My opinion, get the steering and whatever else you need to handle extra power, then get the power.