steering options help

[jcthornhill]

Can someone talk me through steering kit options? I would like to install a hydrolic system but with all the other projects going on it is just to much $. I had an old rotary style helm kit on a 200 hp outboard and could not believe how hard it was to steer it. I have removed the motor, to be replaced with a newer 225 probably Yamaha. Can anyone tell me if the no feed back dual cable systems from teleflex are the way to go. Or will the no feed back single system work well. Also what all is needed on the motor end to complete the install. I am hoping the dual cable system will give me a responsive system that anyone can drive (children). With the old system there is no way I could have taught them to drive the boat(only in straight shots). Thanks guys

[michigan dave]

When I was faced with this same delima I went to the teleflex website and there was a ton of info. to help us do-it-ourself type.

Any chance your old cable for the 225 just needed replaced? They stear hard for quite a while before they fail. dave.

[jcthornhill]

Dave,

What did you decide to go with? The old one probably was about ready to fail, but since I have the console off and replacing motor, cables, etc. I wanted a new system.

Thanks

[michigan dave]

I went with a used morse helm controll off of a 1978 slickcraft with a mercruiser, (honest) in the past I have used the teleflex no feed back system. ya want to measure your old cable carefully to come up with the replacement size. I personally like the rotery helms better as they have less steering feedback. Do you have any wholesale boat part places neer you??

[warthog5]

jcthornhill After you do what michigan dave said on the hyd steering.

Give Surplus Unlimited a call. I had 4 diffrent quotes out for bid on my hyd steering. Even with paying Fl sales tax, Surplus Unlimited beat them all.

613 W. International Speedway Blvd.

Daytona Beach, FL 32114

Call (386) 252-5019 * 1-800-842-5403 * Fax (386) 254-4833

[jcthornhill]

I do have a wholesale dealer near hear. My problem or concern is this - I am closing the transom, adding a bracket and the 30" offset will certainly increase the cable lenght need. Maybe my system was about to go, because when going around a curve in the bayou or just turning the motor period, it was a two armed - pulling with all you got event-that could not have been right.

[jcthornhill]

warthog,

I have the quotes from surplus, but I still do not know exactly what I need, lenght of cable, do I need a tilting helm kit. Is it better for me to have the front mount rack under the console or the other unit?

hydrolic about $750-$800

dual nfb about $325

[Micura]

JC

remember that the mechanical steering cable is not very flexible. How are you going to connect it to the engine with the full transom?

I had a Teleflex NFB steering on my 20 w/225 rude, and the no feedback mechanism worked only a little over a year. After that it was back to the ol' steering torque.

[jcthornhill]

I'm not sure how I'm going to do it or if it can even be done. I was thinking the cables could travel straight through the transom but maybe they can't. Do'nt know I'll have to wait fom some words from some people with experience, like yourself.

[RingLeader]

I have hydraulic... Seastar. I had 16' hoses previously, but with the bracket, I'll need 18' or 20'. I really can't remember how much , but I believe there was a good bit of slack onthe hoses, so 18' hoses will probably be what I need.

If I were you, I'd treat myself to hydraulic steering. Its a must on these heavy hulls with big power.

Seastar is probably the most common and as far as I'm concerned, the best.

You really don't need tilt steering onthe helm. Its only really good for hemls that are mounted on a more verticle surface than horizontal.

Gonna hit the sack. 5:30 comes early and its gonna be mucho froggy for the morning drive.

[Gary Shallbetter]

JC,

If you keep looking around you will probably find a good used hydralic system. The parts market is becoming rich with goodies after the huricanes. Ill look around down here. There is a place I buy alot of stuff from called The Marine Trading post and the owner is my buddy. If you give him a call tell him I recomended you. 239-793 5800. For that matter you guys in the Ft Myers area, there is there other store on old 41. Lots of good used stuff too.

[Steve W.]

Another vote for hydraulic steering.

I would find a place to save money somewhere else.

There is nothing like being able to steer with just your fingers.

[DestinBound]

My vote is for hydraulic also. You won't be sorry.

[n/a]

it is like taking a shower with out changing your clothes!! get the hydraulic steering read a post i put up about paint on the bracket there is some info for steering on there.it tells about another cause of hard steering that most novices overlook

[HungOne]

I've had the NFB for years and I sware my right arm is bigger than my left because of it. I upgraded to SeaStar Hyd steering about 2 years ago. Even to this day (well not currently since she's in pieces), every time I drive my boat I have a grin from ear to ear. Hyd. steering makes boating sooooo much more enjoyable.