Deciding on a steering replacement

[pwillie]

I have a Morris Drum style steering control head, but will replace do to age....The new unit will be turning a 90 hp Mercury 4 stroke. I have looked at the rack and pinion style, but would like to know which style would be the strongest for the 90 motor? Rotary or rack and pinion?

 

[keysdisease]

Steering manufacturers do not mess around with HP ratings because of the liability. 90HP is well within the ratings range of either small rotary or rack and pinion. The rack takes up a lot more space behind the dash.

The no feedback systems are nice to have, otherwise select by cost because the issue of "strongest for a 90HP" is a non issue.

 

[pwillie]

Thanks, I will do it!

 

[whitepointer23]

Hydraulic is the best if you can afford it.

 

[keysdisease]

Found this pretty good steering selection guide for Teleflex:

http://www.go2marine.com/productcenters/teleflex/Choosing_Steering_Systems.shtml

There is also U flex and a couple of other manufacturers out there, but basically 90HP fits into the smallest systems easily as long as you're not running at race boat speeds.