The way we attached the steering rod that we bent from 3/8 inch plated steel, from HomeDepot, is a little complicated. We are using an older Mercury ride guide steering system that came as best we can tell off of a pontoon boat. The original tube mount has been scrapped in favor of the plywood blocks. The end of the steering ram has some couplers and a 5/8 inch ID loop on it. Since we am using a 3/8 inch rod to make the steering rod, we used a brass bushing that is 5/8 od and 3/8 id in the loop at the end of the ram. That way the steering rod fits securely in the end of the ram. Two locking nuts keep the rod secure in the ram.

What I was patterning this after is seen in the next photo...