Outboard steering

[pessimist]

We use a dory as a tender from the marina to the mooring. This has wheel steering wit a single "push/pull" cable. As the dory is left uncovered it is almost impossible to stop water getting into the cable and gearbox causing the thing to gum up. This has happened again today so I am now dismantling the steering system instead of sailing- harrumph!

I have seen several other boats with what looks like a continuous rope system with a pulley on each quarter. This seems more sensible than a sheathed cable and a gearbox.

The question is - what replaces the gearbox on the bottom of the steering wheel, and where do I acquire one? All the others in the marina have this bit covered and I've not managed to collar one of the owners.

Cheers

Colin

 

[NealB]

Do you really need wheel steering? Just a thought.....

On our club rescue boats, we find handling is much easier using the tiller rather than the wheel (turning circle is much bigger with the wheel).

No cables, no pulleys....so simple

 

[alan006]

There is a spindle which the wire wraps around a few times. I don't know if they are still being made, the teleflex type seems very popular nowadays.

 

[pessimist]

Don't really need it, but the tiller has been removed from the engine to facilitate the remote throttle/steering. Looks to be an easier job to replace the push/pull than to reinstate the tiller.

Also a question of weight distribution - the remote position is midships and I'm a big lad........

 

[pessimist]

The spindle sounds the right kind of thing but a google search reveals nowt. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[mandlmaunder]

If in your club or marina there is some tech minded welder you can have a drum fitted to the back of the wheel to hold a few turns of cable or cord , that will increase the effort tranfered thru the wheel , the bigger the drum the less turns from lock to lock.


semper fido

 

[PembrokeshirePromise]

Or you can look at hydraulic steering - probably more than you want to spend for that kind of setup - but does tend to avoid the seized cables

 

[paulm299]

My Dory used to have a drum under the console with a spiral groove in it and spring tensioners at each quarter . When I first had the boat the dealer had put the cable around the wrong way . When you turned the wheel to Port ,You turned to Starboard .
/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[Anonymous]

Many years ago I was towing a skier from a 15 foot Broom with a large-ish Merc. on the back, and bowden-type steering. It was quite choppy and I was steering across the sea to give the boat a safe ride and the skier some fun - the skier was going from side to side to build up speed, and I needed to compensate with quite a bit of wheel. Suddenly I head a loud bang and the whole boat went right over.

We were a mile and a half off Llafranch and the skier, also the owner, was furious, assuming that I had lost control but when we (thankfully) managed to get a tow back (with the boat upside down) we found that the steering cable had snapped.

It was and still is perhaps the closest I have had to a brush with death.

The forces on an outboard's steering can be large, and the consequences of failure dire. I suggest great care!

 

[Lakesailor]

Found the details

http://www.glen-l.com/supplies/06123.html

 

[pessimist]

That's exactly what I'm looking for. Wonder if they'll ship to this country.

 

[Lakesailor]

It would seem so[ QUOTE ]
We would like to make this site friendly to our customers, where ever in the world they may be. If you have any suggestions for making our site more user friendly for people in your part of the world, we welcome your comments.
5 WAYS TO ORDER

* BY INTERNET: Orders can be placed on our web site through our Online Store.
* PHONE: Call 562-630-6258, 8:30 to 5:00 Pacific time, Monday through Friday. Have your Mastercard, VISA, Discover, or American Express card number and expiration date handy.
* BY FAX: Transmit your charge card number and expiration date, along with your order and shipping address. FAX number: 562-630-6280, 24 hours a day.
* BY MAIL:
1. Use any plain piece of paper to place your order.
2. Print your name and address clearly and legibly.
3. List the items you want along with any pertinent information.
4. Figure price and shipping charges.
5. Payment
* International Money Order or bank check made payable in US funds, drawn on a US bank.
* Use your VISA, MASTERCARD, DISCOVER or AMEX giving the account number and expiration date (a "must").
* Send your order to:
GLEN-L Marine Designs
9152 Rosecrans Ave.
Bellflower, CA 90706

DELIVERY: Orders are normally shipped from stock WITHIN 24 HOURS of receipt. You will be promptly notified if there will be a delay. We do not accept COD orders.

[/ QUOTE ] http://www.glen-l.com

 

[nyx2k]

i have the drum steering on my little speedboat. its good for smallish outboards up to around 15hp but when i use a 30hp at full throttle the steering is too heavy to move due the the loading forces of the outboard

 

[Pete7]

The push pull cables last about 5 years and thats it. However at £80 for a new one, or £120 for a complete kit including a new wheel its probably easier just to replace it rather than faff about with wires, pulleys etc.
http://marinestore.co.uk/page/mrst/PROD/teleflex-morse-sh8050/MD458009/


Pete

 

[pessimist]

Sadly, this one has lasted about 12 months. The one before about 18. Hmmmmm

 

[pessimist]

Thanks again - I must be slow this afternoon.

 

[pessimist]

'S ok, its only a fifteen and we seldom use it at "full chat" - makes the Harbour Authority chaps a a bit peevish.