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Grizzly: The rear mount helm only requires a 1" diameter hole in the console face, for the steering wheel shaft. The SS covering plate on the front, 4-1/2" diameter, holds three 3/8" diameter bolts which thread into the helm behind the front face.

Therefore the any large hole from previous steering systems has to be plugged, which is what I did, using a 1/2" thick teak plate on the back side to re-inforce the 1" thick plug (glued in with Gorilla glue). Additionally, because additional thickness of the 1" thick front face was needed, I installed a 5" diameter 1/2" decorative round teak moounting plate on the outside surface. You can see it in the photo.

Finally, the front face of the console is braced from behind by teak gussetts on each side of the helm, screwed and glued into both the front face and the console top, screws pegged over. Not even noticeable. Lastly, the hydraulic oil fill for the helm is located on the console top surface. I was worried this would look bad, but it does not. All necessary parts for this remote fill are included in the helm package.

For twin engine installations on this hull, which I have, because of the highly confined transom design, the only clean installation to steer them is hydraulic. A transom mount cylinder has to be used, along with a special tie bar that actually steers the engines, (see photo link) The cylinder steers the tiebar itself, not the engine steering tongues. For a single engine, front mount hydraulic can be used.

http://smg.photobucket.com/user/lgolt...6406747238