Kicker Rigging

[wakina]

Not an expect here, but do know a little. You mentioned you have hydraulic steering. My question is where does the hydraulic power come from, normally hydraulic power comes from the main motors, but could come from an electric pump as well. But if it comes from main motors, you won't have power steering unless they are running. Now manually steering a power system without the power assistance is possable but very tiring on the arms. I think we have all driving a car with ps that is not running and can be a work out.

I would think your hydraulic steering would be one of the main reason they are saying use an electric power unit instead of just a tie bar.

I am not sure that he actually has hydraulic steering, I base that on most outboards with power assist have a cylinder attached that resembles a hydraulic cylinder but are actually a pneumatic cylinder you fill with air pressure and that acts as a damper from engine torque and assists in making turns. I am not questioning what he is saying about what he has but only relating what my experience has been. I had the pneumatic cylinder steering assist on my 30 ft T-Craft when I ran charters years ago. It had twin 2 cycle 225 HP Mercury outboards for power. If the pump for hydraulic steering would be independent of the motors then just turning the key to the on position should power the pump.