Converting to hydraulic steering

[J-cubed]

I am going to convert my 208 over to hydraulic steering in the spring and also install a Lowrance autopilot. Any tips or suggestions will be greatly appreciated. I have read that I may need to disconnect the outboard. I would like to avoid this if possible. Someone suggested cutting the steering rod in order to remove it from the outboard or cutting a hole in order to make a clearance. Does anyone have any experience with the installation of either of these units?

 

[Don Davis]

I Installed hydraulic steering on my previous boat a 2000 542 Campion and it was quite easy. Yes I had to cut the steering road at the engine to get it out but not a big job at all. The hardest part was fishing the hydraulic lines on that boat as the space was tight. Start to finish was about 3 hours.

 

[ElyseM]

can't really help. but, is the Optimus electric steering adaptable to your engine? seems the industry is moving to electric. good luck, ron