Help with a new steering system, Rack/Rotory?

M

matt9923

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Sep 6, 2008
Messages
421
I am getting a new motor for my 14ft fiberglass, most likley a mariner 40hp 1994 idk what modle it is (anyone know). I have the old cable/pully system and i dont have much faith in it. Im thinking a rack or rotory teleflex.

http://shop.easternmarine.com/images/category/412.jpg

I will need that mount, how does that work or do i need soemthing like this?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...K:MEWAX:IT&item=270353139307#ebayphotohosting

The motor has electric trim so ill need somethign that can flex when i lift the motor up and down. I just need soem clarification on what i would have to order.
Matt
 
ezmobee

ezmobee

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 26, 2007
Messages
23,767
Re: Help with a new steering system, Rack/Rotory?

I'm no expert but I'll share what I know. I replaced my cable/pulley system with a teleflex rack system. The installation was pretty straightforward and I am happy with it. However, it does have little but more slop in it than I would like. Many of the more knowledgable people on here recommend the rotary over the rack.

As far as connecting it to my motor, that couldn't have been easier. Do you have a tilt tube? My old '73 did and all I had to do was connect the steering cable to it and purchase a steering rod used on eBay to connect it up.
 
M

matt9923

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Sep 6, 2008
Messages
421
Re: Help with a new steering system, Rack/Rotory?

ok well im asuming the mariner will have a tilt tube since it has power tilt. All i will need is the teleflex kit and the connection rod and i will be golden.
anyone recomend a particular steering wheel iv seen 12"up to 22"
Matt
 
Mark42

Mark42

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Oct 8, 2003
Messages
9,334
Re: Help with a new steering system, Rack/Rotory?

ezmobee is right, if you have a tilt tube its easy. But if not, then you need the hardware you linked to that accepts the ram end of the steering cable. And also the steering link rod to connect the ram to the motor.

I have rotary helm on both my boats, and they work very well. The big advantage of rotary over the newer rack system is space. The rorary will fit in a small round area behind the dash, but the rack takes more space horizontally, and puts the bend in the cable farther to the right. If space is tight, the bend the cable needs to make may be hard to make, and the steering may feel stiff.

Teleflex says their cable will make a 6" radius bend, but dont believe it. Figure 10 to 12 inch radius bend on the steering cable, especially if you want it to last.
 
Mark42

Mark42

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Oct 8, 2003
Messages
9,334
Re: Help with a new steering system, Rack/Rotory?

With only a 40 hp motor, a NFB is not needed. The regular Safe-T-QC is what you want. I have it on my 40hp MFG Niagara and it feels like power steering.

Oh, and I missed that the Merc is a newer model, so it will have the through tube, no additional hardware (other than the linkage rod) is needed.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top