Share your 400R rigging and setup stories

[mjw930]

I'm starting this thread because the existing 400r news thread is 58 pages long. I figured as more start actually installing these beasts it would be great to share stories, setups and experiences.

To start I have a simple question that dealers don't seem to be able to answer, what ancillary components come with the motor at the advertised price? For example, we all know these are DTS motors so you'll need proper DTS throttles and shifters, that never comes with the motor. However, the 400R is touted to come with factory power steering standard. Mercury power steering consists of the helm, power assist pump, plumbing and an integral ram built into the front of the motor. So, how much of the total system is included? One dealer stated only the integral ram comes standard, you need to buy the pump, helm and hoses separate. Another said they thought you got the helm and pump and just need to supply hoses.

The question is important for those of us who are thinking about the true cost delta between a 300XS and the 400R, both equipped with power steering. Nothing is worse than buying everything you think you need then finding out when you start the install you need to add additional components that can cost thousands more. (To be honest, that's usually what happens so it's a treat when it doesn't)

[Rayzor]

PM me if you would like some answers to your questions. A public forum isn't the right place right now........

[aggiestckl]

Pump and hoses don't come with the motor, wire harness doesn't come with it nor does the shifter harness. Add $3k

[mjw930]

Pump and hoses don't come with the motor, wire harness doesn't come with it nor does the shifter harness. Add $3k

I figured the harnesses, shifter and throttle assembly was extra but it kind of makes it a mockery of power steering being standard when you don't even get the pump. Typical Mercury.....

[Rayzor]

Pump and hoses don't come with the motor, wire harness doesn't come with it nor does the shifter harness. Add $3k

Hey Glenn, do they use the same standard pump assembly that they've used for all the single-ram trim systems for years?

[aggiestckl]

It's integral like a 3ram

[aggiestckl]

ROS used same one

[Rayzor]

ROS used same one

Great, thanks! That's what I needed to know......

[noli]

.

Although it's a given that you'll need batteries, but not just regular batteries, there are recommended batteries of proper operation of these Verado motors.

[HydroSkreamin]

Hey Glenn, do they use the same standard pump assembly that they've used for all the single-ram trim systems for years?

Rayzor, I believe Glenn was referring to the power steering pump and hoses, and it looks like you were asking about the trim pump.

The power steering pump is a computer controlled, self contained unit that senses pressure and flow, and slows down the pump speed when the pressure is low/flow is low, and speeds up when you put input into the wheel, calling for flow, and the pump speeds up.

The trim is integral in the swivel on the 400R, serviced from the bottom of the swivel.

[2.5-21]

Are the 300XS available with built in Power steering now as well?

[aggiestckl]

Are the 300XS available with built in Power steering now as well?
They are not. You can use seastar front mount or latham side ram.

They do however make an adapter to hook up a verado steering pump to a 300xs so you can use an open center helm like a Charlynn or a verado and have full hydrostatic steering like a car rather than using your arms to be the pump

[Davidlake]

2.5, I have the system the Aggiestckl is describing on my 300XS's. Let me know if you would like more info on it.

[bsboss]

Have the Latham pump with twin 300's side rams, could this same pump & helm be used with the 400r's?

[Double Rigged]

Have the Latham pump with twin 300's side rams, could this same pump & helm be used with the 400r's?

I believe so. But to be sure give Latham a call as Bob is very familiar with the 400r's. However the steering used on them as far as the rams go is no different than the 300 or 350 verados either.

[mjw930]

I believe so. But to be sure give Latham a call as Bob is very familiar with the 400r's. However the steering used on them as far as the rams go is no different than the 300 or 350 verados either.

Based on the pictures here of the Skater 318 they are using the internal steering with only tie bars between the drives. No external rams and quite honesty, since these are built as racing motors from the start the built in power steering rams should be sufficient. Sometimes you just have to let go of the past and embrace the future ;)

http://seriousoffshore.com/forums/content.php?r=224-A-Sequel-That-Equals-The-Original&

[Double Rigged]

There have been a few different power steering pumps used on the 308/318 Skaters. Steve's boat had a Latham pump that was changed to another brand. Not sure which one but not factory mercury. Two of my buddies boats used the Verado pump that Mercury provides. And a DCB with 400's running a Latham pump.
I have driven the boat with the Mercury pump and it ran great.

[Spectre Powerboats]

356905

[Toffen]

Hi,

For your info the steering cylinder of the 400R has been upgraded from serie number 1B245434. I will receive mine with the new one. Its stronger since these engines are used at higher propshaft heights. In my view the power assisted steering of Verado is the only drawback. I can not get it excact enough. Other than that my 350 Sci been top notch. Hopefully the new design will do the trick.

Cheeers, Toffen

[robert cruse]

I used the Seastar power steering pump and helm that I had on my 22 Talon - 300x , when I put on the 400R. Works perfectly - same turns lock to lock, same steering feel etc. I had to reverse the lines on the helm - port to starboard. I drilled 4 3/4 inch holes in the hollow cavitation plate inline with the exhaust tube to relieve the exhaust.Made a big difference in acceleration. Bob C.

[Toffen]

Hi!

Interesting. Is this a Sea Star Pro pump and helm ala Capilano? Without using the electrical pump?

I have been considering using a non power assisted system ala Sea Star Pro as I used on my Promax 300 setup back in time.

Cheeers, Toffen



I used the Seastar power steering pump and helm that I had on my 22 Talon - 300x , when I put on the 400R. Works perfectly - same turns lock to lock, same steering feel etc. I had to reverse the lines on the helm - port to starboard. I drilled 4 3/4 inch holes in the hollow cavitation plate inline with the exhaust tube to relieve the exhaust.Made a big difference in acceleration. Bob C.

[robert cruse]

Hi Toffen - The pump is a SeaStar Pro ,and the helm is referred to as a SeaStar Pro helm. The manual that came with the pump says to use only the SeaStar Pro helm and 1500 psi hydraulic lines. So no it doesn't use the large yellow Capilano helm. The body of the SeaStar Pro helm is about 3 1/2 inches around. Max current draw-50 amps Typical current draw - 3 amps. 1000psi MAX system preassure (500psi working loads) Hope this helps. Bob C.

[Toffen]

Hi Robert,

Thanks! So its a similar system to the Verado power assisted setup. A helm and an electrical pump. The issue with one engine is the steering torque. The Verado system has a relief valve, and when you run fast, and the engine high, the steering torque force you to turn he wheel to steer right. Strange but true. I also can not get it precise enough, even after several bleedings. Changing the hydraulic lines may help. The new engine has a Sportmaster LU with cambered skeg. The skeg may offset some of the steering torque. My boat is very narrow (5,5 feet..), so a precise steering is crucial.

Cheeers, Toffen