The SSM#6 does come with the steering cylinders in the gimbal and the plumbing to the get the steering through the transom. No there is no helm, internal hydraulic hoses, nor transmission and such. The Arneson Bravo conversion kit comes with all the things you listed and at half the price of the IMCO.
The SSM#7 was made as a Diesel drive unit back in the late 90's it is no longer being made.
You can argue that the drive units come in sub assemblies but one is useless without the other so it is a mute point.
Point is for a Bravo copy, the IMCO is way overpriced.
It is not a moot point. That is how they are sold from Mercury.
You compare retail (Imco) to Dealer cost (#6). Hardley a fair comparison.
I am not here to argue that the Imco is competition for the SSM. If you read my post again you will see that. If you have seen the Imco in person you will see it is not a "Bravo copy".
Again, it is an alternative.
The Arneson conversion is rated to 750 ft. lbs. of torque. How does that compare to the 1000 rating of the Imco? Arneson drives have a limited application that is different from a Bravo or SSM. One example is you will not pull a speed skiier with an Arneson
Once again, it is an alternative that has a place in its application.
To be totally fair compare the #6 at retail: Drive $33,375.00, T/A $18,004.00, Tranny $10,601.00, drive plate $632.00, etc.
I've used #3, #5, & #6 drives, as I said the #6 is the King. If some one needs more than a Bravo and less than a #6 it is a great alternative with some advantages for a normally aspirated engine.
What type of experience do you have with Imco drives and #6 drives? It sounds like you have Imco on the chopping block.
Just curious.