Re: quick question (cor all)
1. If your boat is pre 2000 then you would have to get aftermarket tabs if you decided to go that route. However a lot could be gained on hole shot by messing with the prop or posible a foil. Getting a prop to vent properly would make a huge difference.
2. What excactly is wrong with you steering, does it have leaks, is it bypassing. Can you isolate the problem to either the helm or the cylinders. If you can isolate the exact problem then you could just replace what is damaged. They are right about it only getting worse over time, seals don't get tighter, and leaks don't get drier by leaving them alone.