steering systems

[monk-monk]

Which steering system is the best, rack and pinion or rotary? I have a '72 Glastron V-166 with a Merc 1150 and it is very hard to steer! I know its not the original steering system because it is a rack and pinion with a cable thats way too long and the rack under the dash is so wide that the cable almost makes a 90 degree bend for lack of room between the end of the rack and the side of the boat, then it is camel humped about 5 times before it gets to the motor. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Woodnaut]

Re: steering systems

The only systems that I've used have been the cable-and-pully, and [in more recent decades] the rotary type. But I've also never had an engine over 90 HP either. Nevetheless, the rotary style No-Feedback has worked excellent for me.

If your helm is hard to turn it may well be due to the sharp bend and other curves and turns that are in the cable. Other possible causes are a crushed cable or corrosion (or hardened grease) where the cable passes thorough the outboard mounting bracket.

Obviously I favor the rotary NFB cable style. If you replace and get the cable length correct, it should be REAL easy to steer in both directions once you get the trim tab set correctly.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: steering systems

Monk-monk, I have had R&P systems on my merc towers forever, without incident. The cables made a 90* bend at the gunwale, w/o an issue. Have you actually disconnected the cable, pulled it straight and tested to see how easy it turned? That will tell you if it is a cable length problem or not.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: steering systems

sharp bends, make any system hard to turn. i find rotary my favorite, and it takes less space under the console, so you don't get that sharp curve. i would recommend on the 1150 no feedback rotary.

 

[chuter]

Re: steering systems

Monk: If it's in the budget, go hydraulic. http://www.iboats.com/Marine_Hydrau...3338671--**********.378968701--view_id.217125

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: steering systems

The majority of problems are normally a bad cable. You can purchase the proper cable AND length here on iboats.

Your outboard does not need hydraulic ...... that would be overkill.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: steering systems

agree overkill. ^^^^^^