Converting over to hydraulic steering

[J-cubed]

I am going to convert my Grady White 208 over to hydraulic steering in the spring and also install a Lowrance autopilot. Any tips or suggestions will be greatly appreciated. I have read that I may need to disconnect the outboard. I would like to avoid this if possible. Someone suggested cutting the steering rod in order to remove it from the outboard or cutting a hole in order to make a clearance. Does anyone have any experience with the installation of either of these units?

[Newenglandcharters]

Whoever told you to cut your steering rod, go back and tell them to cut their own rod to show you how.  The Steering Rods unbolt just like when you install an outboard they Bolt on.  Its not rocket science.   when I was young and healthy I could rig a outboard boat with a new outboard in about 15 to 20 mins on my own. If I had a helper we would have time for coffee.  Back in the days when we were selling 15-20 boats a week until the economy crashed. Installing Hydraulics is not much more difficult.  on a small boat like a 20 footer I would just run high pressure 6,000 psi hydraulic hose from the helm to the outboard piston.  quick and easy.  you not going for a USCG COI so even if you were, thats not all that hard.   just link multiple outboards together with stainless mechanical rods so they all turn at the same rate together even with multiple hydraulic pistons.