---

Boat: 1979 22' Boston Whaler Revenge
Engine: 1990 225 HP Yamaha

I was able to do a little work on my boat last weekend for the first time in several months and I noticed that I have leaky seals on both ends of my my steering cylinder assembly. Unfortunately the ram is slightly pitted so just replacing the seals won't do me much good long term. I went ahead and removed the cylinder and have it at my house ready for the next step. What that step is, I'm not sure.

Cross referencing this page: http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/document.do?docId=731
it appears that my model is the HC 5342 / HC5340

Here is my situation. Since purchasing the boat last spring, I'm still in the process of getting her lake ready. I have not dbeen able to test drive her. I have only had her running on a hose and floated it at the dock. It floats fine so I think the hull is OK and the engine runs fine on a hose but am waiting for the transom to throughly dry before installing my transom drain and now I need to get the steering fixed.

I'm not in the financial position to go out and just buy a new steering system for an untested boat. I would at least like to test drive the boat to make sure it will be the boat I expect it to be before investing in a new system. I also want to be safe though.. All that being said, if you were in my shoes would you:


1) Just buy the seals for around $100 and get a season out of them (At least enough to test drive)

2) Send the assembly away for rebuilding or purchase a rebuilt unit --my choice

3) Buy a new steering cylinder.

4) Buy a complete system

If you agreee with #2 who would you recomend to rebuild the cylinder or sells rebuilt units?

If you have other suggestions please let me know. I'm all ears.

Thanks!

John