The original steering cable on my 1978 33' has stretched to the point that I have about 10-12 degrees free play in it with the rudders centered. This is causing my old autopilot to hunt constantly when engaged. I want to replace the old steering cable with a hydraulic set-up and at the same time replace old autopilot with a newer model I can tie into my GPS. Has anyone done this to their 33' who can recommend a decent set-up that is not necessarily "top of the line" but something functional and reliable? I'd appreciate any info on a system one of you has already installed and can vouch for its performance. Thanks.

when you consider the whole scope of what has been done on this vessel (1974 33' S/F)and did not have much inside the boat(at the time)Believe me it was easy!

Hey guys thanks for your input. Upon closer inspection of the cable and rack they still look pretty good (the cable in not stretched out as I thought). It's the wheel and pinion that have all the play in them. I still haven't decided if I am going to try and replace the wheel and attached pinion (leaving the rack and cable attached to the rudders)or if I am going to replace it all with the hydraulic set-up. Anyone ever thought of replacing just half the set-up as in just the wheel and pinion and leave the rack and cable in place? Just looking for the least complicated solution to this problem. If need be and nothing else works then I'll replace it all with the hydraulic system. Again, thanks for your input on this.

Sounds good ductsegg33, but I can't remember the last time something was easy to install....

I replaced my cable steering awhile ago but I omitted the lower station,I also replaced every thing from the rudder's to the wheel(mine was in terrible shape)I used the sea/star helm&cylinder and the hoses.every thing was simple to install and the hoses attach very easy .In my case it was worth it. Good luck with your project