Teleflex cable steering & autopilot

[rudolph_hart]

After 54 years of sail, I've changed to a 26ft semi-planing, single-engine, shaft-driven motor cruiser.

Handling such a light boat with a tiny rudder & so much windage in a Marina was a very steep learning curve - thank heavens for the Bow Thruster.

Her Teleflex cable wheel steering also has a fair bit of play, so she needs constant attention at the wheel, to prevent wandering about like a fart in a colander. So I'm happy to replace it.

Also, she has no autopilot, so I want to fit one.

Has anyone carried out such an upgrade?

All advice gratefully received.

 

[Plum]

After 54 years of sail, I've changed to a 26ft semi-planing, single-engine, shaft-driven motor cruiser.

Handling such a light boat with a tiny rudder & so much windage in a Marina was a very steep learning curve - thank heavens for the Bow Thruster.

Her Teleflex cable wheel steering also has a fair bit of play, so she needs constant attention at the wheel, to prevent wandering about like a fart in a colander. So I'm happy to replace it.

Also, she has no autopilot, so I want to fit one.

Has anyone carried out such an upgrade?

All advice gratefully received.

I have, but near impossible to find a new autopilot that works with teleflex cable steering. Can you find what is causing the play? Mine is not a problem. If you are not happy with your cable steering then converting to hydraulic steering will enable a neater installation. Depends how much you are willing to spend. I came close to fitting one of these to the existing cable system Raymarine EV-100 Wheel Pilot Pack | Force 4 Chandlery . This one if you are going to convert to hydraulic will be much neater with nothing visible at the wheel Raymarine EV-100 Power Autopilot Pack | Force 4 Chandlery . In the end I bought a cheep and simple old one on ebay which has worked very well for the last 6 years. Not the neatest but does the job and was only £100


Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[rudolph_hart]

I have, but near impossible to find a new autopilot that works with teleflex cable steering. Can you find what is causing the play? Mine is not a problem. If you are not happy with your cable steering then converting to hydraulic steering will enable a neater installation. Depends how much you are willing to spend. I came close to fitting one of these to the existing cable system Raymarine EV-100 Wheel Pilot Pack | Force 4 Chandlery . This one if you are going to convert to hydraulic will be much neater with nothing visible at the wheel Raymarine EV-100 Power Autopilot Pack | Force 4 Chandlery . In the end I bought a cheep and simple old one on ebay which has worked very well for the last 6 years. Not the neatest but does the job and was only £100
View attachment 141665

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

I have, but near impossible to find a new autopilot that works with teleflex cable steering. Can you find what is causing the play? Mine is not a problem. If you are not happy with your cable steering then converting to hydraulic steering will enable a neater installation. Depends how much you are willing to spend. I came close to fitting one of these to the existing cable system Raymarine EV-100 Wheel Pilot Pack | Force 4 Chandlery . This one if you are going to convert to hydraulic will be much neater with nothing visible at the wheel Raymarine EV-100 Power Autopilot Pack | Force 4 Chandlery . In the end I bought a cheep and simple old one on ebay which has worked very well for the last 6 years. Not the neatest but does the job and was only £100
View attachment 141665

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[rudolph_hart]

That looks a pretty neat job, given the number of components, & mounting location. Also what a bargain!

Thanks for your advice. I'm coming to the conclusion that I'll have to replace the Teleflex cable steering system with hydraulic as part of the autopilot install over the winter.

 

[limecc]

I had a large amount of play and fitted NFB steering because I wanted to retain 3 turns lock to lock and all the hydraulic systems seem to be 5 turns. All's good. Zero play, zero feedback.

 

[colhel]

I've been searching high and low for an autohelm for our teleflex steering system and like the OP now looking at hydraulic. @limecc I thought the number of turns lock to lock was achieved by pairing the ram capacity and pump capacity?

 

[limecc]

I've been searching high and low for an autohelm for our teleflex steering system and like the OP now looking at hydraulic. @limecc I thought the number of turns lock to lock was achieved by pairing the ram capacity and pump capacity?

Makes sense but I was looking at the cheap Chinese kits where that choice is already made