Steering and Throttle advice on 1998 twin inboard cruiser

[ernestltd]

Hello Experts

I am looking to purchase a 1998 twin inboard cruiser with twin KAD43 diesels with Volvo DP-E legs. I am scared I am buying someone old and should wait until I can afford newer tech such as Volvo D4 engines? With electronic throttle and it seems some kind of electronic steering?

My questions are

1. The throttle controls seems very old and stiff so is it possible to replace the old morse controls with new ones such as Morse Xtreme or Teleflex Morse SL3's and get the throttle working to a very high standard where I will never worry? Some people say they prefer the old wire controls.

2. Could someone advise on how the steering works on a boat of this age? Will it be a dog to steer? How does the steering actually work? Again will I be able to replace the cables and get this working like new?

I love fixing up things but don't want something which is flawed and also wish I had the newer tech.

Thanks
Jon

 

[kashurst]

KAD 43 a fine engine when set up properly, decent service, check out the turbos and supercharger and get the fuel injectors refurbished and you should be good for years - don't get too excited about the newer tech, you aren't missing much to be honest - slightly smoother running, small increase in mpg, more complex to fix if they should fail.
The morse control levers get stiff when the cables wear through the liner - these can be replaced and will then work like new for a long time with no electronics to go wrong there after.
The steering on an outdrive style boat is hydraulic power steering and should be easy to turn from lock to lock and nice and smooth. Again when set up properly it should be a joy to drive. If you bought a brand new boat it's still essentially the same. The power steering pump is on one of the engines supplying power to a steering ram at the back of the boat.

the thing to watch out for is the condition of the outdrives - outdrives need a lot of regular love and attention. If neglected they can be an expensive pain in the ar@e. Very popular, lots out there but get them professionally checked over. If this is your first boat ask on here for a recommended local to you engineer, to give it a proper check over. Unfortunately in the boaty world there a lot of "engineers" but few who really know what they are doing.

good luck with it all.

 

[BruceK]

Morse all the way. Dont ask me why but they just give you a more connected feel. Like everything though, they must be in good condition. Agree wirh Kashurst 100%

 

[ernestltd]

Hi - I went to look at the boat in more detail, the steering was very stiff. Does the steering only work when engine is on? Thanks!

 

[oldgit]

Possible that boat does have power assisted steering and helm will be very difficult to turn (if engine driving power steering pump is not running.
Power steering is not uncommon on sports boats with twin outdrives.
Can be problem if that engine fails underway, steering will become heavy.

 

[luptonj]

yeah, it'll be heavy without the engines running.
if that engine fails or the belt comes off (which happened to me) the steering will be hard work but manageable, you would just have to slow down.

I have electronic controls but would prefer Morse, just a lot less to go wrong. The first month I had the boat it kept dropping out of gear due to a faulty battery isolator switch.