when are steering mods required?

[mrcrsr]

i have a twin bravo drive application that is now running 70mph- when is it req'd to upgrade the steering? should i just add a tiebar- i have rideguide w/ merc power steering

[sleek willy]

I hear at 75 mph hydraulic steering is needed. If you don't have any slop in your steering maybe you're OK.
My boat had enough play in the steering so it was hard to go in a straight line at wakeless speed, at 75 mph it was really scary. Some times at speed it would feel like it was going to nose into the water, Anytime I throttled down from WOT the torque reaction would kick the stearn over about a foot. I knew there was a serious problum.
I installed an IMCO dual ram system, hydraulic to the helm. I'm no longer scared, it's a great feeling.
If you feel safe you might be OK, unless a cable breaks at speed.
-Sleek Willy