Considering Teleflex NFB steering

[jdlough]

I have a 21' Dual Console with 175HP Johnson outboard, with standard Teleflex steering, 3 turns of the wheel lock-to-lock.

Steering is a bit sloppy; the wheel has about 5" of play before anything happens. The helm and/or cables must be a bit worn.

I'm considering upgrading to Teleflex NoFeedBack, but I have 2 questions.

1. Teleflex recommends their 4.2 turns lock-to-lock system for outboards over 150HP. I currently have 3 turns lock-to-lock on my boat, and that feels OK with me. Should I stick with 3 turns, or change to 4.2 turns?

2. I read that some folks don't like the "sticky steering wheel" feel of the NFB system, especially with frequent correction turns at slow speed while docking. Any thoughts on the NFB feel?

Thanks,
Jim

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Considering Teleflex NFB steering

I have NFB on my Alumacraft and the pontoon. Works great although it does take a bit getting used to. But one does not need to constantly correct. Can't say NFB was an issue during docking manuevers.

 

[jdlough]

Re: Considering Teleflex NFB steering

I guess I have one more question:

Would a new Teleflex NFB system eliminate the loose steering wheel play? How much play should I expect with a new system?

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: Considering Teleflex NFB steering

I have the NFB dual rack system and like it just fine. The dual cables, when properly adjusted, eliminate every bit of slop (which could potentially induce chinewalk at higher speeds). Yes, it took just a little bit of getting used to, but no big deal.

 

[sschefer]

Re: Considering Teleflex NFB steering

I've got the NFB in my JetCraft and I've had the SeaStar Pro hydraulic. The hydraulic is like ridding on rails compared to the NFB but the NFB isn't bad by any means. It does take a little getting used to at slow speeds but it doesn't take long. The trick is to dodge the temptation to correct all the time.

 

[jdlough]

Re: Considering Teleflex NFB steering

Hydraulic is about $500 more, just for the parts. Is a hydraulic install a much bigger pain in the butt? Would I have to lift the motor?

I suppose I could be talked into the big upgrade to hydraulic, if the install isn't too much of a pain...

 

[Fed]

Re: Considering Teleflex NFB steering

I bet if you emailed teleflex they would tell you what freeplay at the wheel to expect with a new system, my guess would be less than 1 inch.
I consider mine to be pretty much worn out with noticeable lift in the wheel & about 2 inches freeplay.
When I replace I'll be sticking with full feedback 3 turns lock to lock, I don't see an upside to NFB steering.

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: Considering Teleflex NFB steering

I don't see an upside to NFB steering.

How about not having to fight the torque of a big outboard while getting on plane, or while running barely on plane pulling a wakeboarder.