Sticky Hydraulic Steering....any thoughts

I think that would work if you have enough room for a shim thick enough to hold on with screws. The screws need to be flat head and counter sunk, so a real thin shim will not work. Do not use an aluminum shim. I milled the drive and then drilled and tapped holes for the hold on screws, so there is a lot of meat there. Take a look at it. Also take a look at the shims in the pivot bearing above for side play.

The prop in the picture has a lot of rake (swept back blades). That increases torque steer and also causes the stern to "squat" when power is applied. Those types of props are designed to provide bow lift at speed on boats that need that.

A prop shaped like a merc aluminum one is what you need. The vengeance looks good in the pictures, but I have not seen one in person.

jim