Just to clarify things I started making steering for jet boats etc. back in 2001 when I purchased a jet boat and honestly hated how it handled.
I originally designed steering for myself but it wowed me so much that I decided to design steering for other jet boats and to address the shortcomings of the jet boat handling in a way that people could retrofit systems to their existing boats easily and affordably. And people did just that.
I targeted all speeds and reverse because jet boats were not a good fit for a family boat or for water sports the way they came from the factory.
I target the items most important to the majority of boat operators. And if you wanted the jet boat feel just leave the boat alone and drive it as it came from the factory. Not many people wanted that option.
Even at 65 I still hand build custom systems for people who hate how their boats handle. Here is a email I received from a customer with a sea doo 2 stroke jet boat who asked me to build a system just a few days ago actually
"Hi Jeff we were away for over a week and when we got back, we installed your cobra jet fins and took the jet boat out on the lake the other day and what an amazing difference it made! The idle was set too high when we had the carbs rebuilt and the combination of that and how jet boats normally steer was horrific to try to dock or even steer in no wake zones. We had the idle problem fixed, and your cobra jet fins made docking extremely easy and steering at lower speeds as well. It operates almost as easy as a prop boat. I am so thankful that I found you!! Thank you so much for working with us and making our jet boating experience wonderful now. We will recommend you to everyone that we know that has a JetSki or jet boat. Thank you again for everything, and God bless YOU and your business.
MaryAnn and John "
The slide , sit and spin stuff is pretty old hat now, people want to be able to drive their jet boat like any other boat and use it as a recreational boat with a wide variety of uses.
In the beginning I address the slow speed and the reverse issues, plus the high speed issues in a conservative way because I was trying to accommodate a large variety of users. People kept asking for more and more. So I gave them bigger and better systems.
I designed numerous systems for the Yamaha jet boat line as they were the largest demand .
And I designed several model specific systems for those as the boat line changed.
My A K system addresses the particular needs of the A K twin engine boats, the added tie rod is just common sense. I have explained the function and reason for that numerous times in posts on this web page, the steering provides added influence to deal with the large keel in the center of the boat resisting the change of direction when the boat is traveling at planning speeds, it also helps with slow speed turning plus with tracking at all speeds and the fangs add a power steering effect with improved reverse steering and improved reverse thrust for stopping.
Think about this, you spend a very small percentage of your boating backing up but when you do you want predictable steering it is important and I give you that however anything excessive can easily become a liability, you certainly do not want your boat doing sharp turns or tight circles unexpectedly in a tight place with other boats near you, or if you put it in reverse to avoid striking a dock and it gets sideways or turns a circle and you loose control.
That is just not something I see any practical use for let alone having to spend a lot of money or giving up precise steering at speed for! Think about it!!
Common sense would tell me you would want the all time steering, predictable handling and improved control at all speeds and in reverse any day ,, however if this is something that you find a need for then by all means do it.
I like and believe in the features that my systems offer you and so do my customers. I make the magnum steering systems, the magnum A K systems the Ultimate systems plus the fangs for these systems , and now the newest VIPER systems for your boating enjoyment and pleasure. I am constantly working to make practical and affordable products for your boats. I always try to make myself available to answer questions or clarify the features of my steering systems. Feel free to call me or email me if someone has confused you or lied to you, seriously just ask.
As I always say do your homework and buy your last system first.