I want to install steering on my 1964 Glasspar

[outlawfox13]

Ok, this year at the beginning of the crabbing season, I got a heck of a good deal on an old 64 Glasspar that had a rebuilt transom and new interior layout with a new floor, new paint. I literally felt like I was stealing this boat since I only paid $400 for it with title, trailer with title, fish finder, and a 1956 seaking 12hp motor. The boat was converted to tiller steer and used for crabbing. Since we bought it, I have upgraded to a 1973 johnson 25 hp tiller, but I am way to big to be in the back of the boat, and it is a pain to get it on plane with me and the wife, plus our gear. I have to lean as far forward as possible and almost bounce to help the bow drop and get on plane.

I am looking to install remote steering on my boat, but dont know where to start. I am either going to convert my 25 to remote steer, or I am looking at buying a 62 evinrude 40hp, with controls. I would prefer teleflex steer, but dont know which style to get(rotary, or rack and pinion) I do know I will need an ezy-glide universal motor bracket, the cable, steering wheel, and helm. I have also thought about going the original route and running a cable and pulley system. I have some of the pulleys in place already along the sides. But finding a vintage steering wheel with a cable/pulley helm is a PITA!!! which would be the best route to go.

Thanks in advance Mike

A little eye candy

This is the way we bought it

and how she looks now

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: I want to install steering on my 1964 Glasspar

If she were mine, I'd be cruising Ebay for a used rotary system. You need to measure from your helm (Dash) out to the gunwales and then back to the stern and then out to the motor and then add 12 - 18" so you'll know the length of cable to buy. You also need to know if the motor is set up for tube steering and if not you'll need to buy a transom mount for the the tube assembly to attach to the motor.

 

[Numlaar]

Re: I want to install steering on my 1964 Glasspar

As long as the motor you are using (or intending to use) has a "tilt tube" (steering tube), any of the modern steering systems will work in it.

Rack and pinion systems are rated for up to 150hp (i believe, havnt worked at west marine in about a year, so don't quote me on that). rotary is good for more than that. So you would be fine with either system.

Rack is a little easier to install in my opinion, and easier to end up with a "centered" steering wheel, but the drawback is, the "rack" is about 18inches long so you need enough space for it. Rotary helm, you have to feed the cable into the helm, then lock it in, and trying to get the steering wheel to end up straight is a bit trickier... but doable. I have never stripped the gear in a rack steering but have in a rotary a few times...

I guess the biggest question is, where do you intend to mount the helm, and how much space do you have?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: I want to install steering on my 1964 Glasspar

Cool boat for $400! Nice find. I'd recommend going with a modern single cable system as the others have suggested. The pulley systems can be a pain, loosen up, and rattle. I made the swap on my last boat. Here's a system for a great price (even comes with a wheel!) http://www.lowcostboatingstore.com/Uflex-ROTECH-Kits_c_226.html If your motor doesn't have a steering tube, you'll need to add one of these: http://www.iboats.com/Corrosion-Res...5764940--**********.611379388--view_id.192758

 

[andgott]

Re: I want to install steering on my 1964 Glasspar

That looks like a Citation- I've got a '60, which has the same hull- They are nice riding hulls!! 25 HP is probably on the low side, though- It's going to be tough to get much out of her when you're loaded down. The 40 HP will do fine- Mine HAD a 50 HP on it. I've got a 85 on it now.

It looks like your transom was cut down to fit a short shaft outboard- From the factory, that boat would have taken a long shaft, but it appears to have been lowered. This will severely limit your choices in repowering.

One option, if you are looking to repower AND add steering, is to find a donor boat. That's what I did. It had a new motor, steering, and other Misc. parts I needed. I pulled off what I needed, and sold the hull and trailer. In the end, after parting the boat out, I actually MADE $25! I was lucky to find a deal like that, but they are out there. Keep an eye on Craigslist!

-Andrew

 

[outlawfox13]

Re: I want to install steering on my 1964 Glasspar

Well from research, I found that 64 glasspar 12' were only rated to 35 or 45 hp(i cant remember which), I wish it was still a long shaft transom, but the 40 I found is the old standard transom(17") and I have a stainless bracket that lifts the motor 2" so it fits perfectly. I am not sure if the old 40hp I am going to look at has a steerinf tube or not, I will take pictures tonight if I buy it.

I also plan to mount the throttle and shift linkage on the starboard side so the helm will be on the same side.

Thanks Mike

 

[ezmobee]

Re: I want to install steering on my 1964 Glasspar

I am not sure if the old 40hp I am going to look at has a steerinf tube or not, I will take pictures tonight if I buy it.

It doesn't if it's a '62

 

[andgott]

Re: I want to install steering on my 1964 Glasspar

Well from research, I found that 64 glasspar 12' were only rated to 35 or 45 hp(i cant remember which)

Ahh... I was thinking it was the 16' model, which is what I have... It has the same hull design as it's smaller 'brother'. That's only a 12 footer?

 

[outlawfox13]

Re: I want to install steering on my 1964 Glasspar

Yup, only a 12, good lil boat though. I looked at the motor, and i might get it. I had to do some research on it first. And so far it checks out, i am gonna give the guy a call tomorrow to go get it.

 

[outlawfox13]

Re: I want to install steering on my 1964 Glasspar

Well I got the motor, and it has the mount for the cable steer. I do like the idea of cable steer as it will give me better turning at slow speeds, and I crab alot witht this boat. I have looked at the ezy-glide universal mounting kit, and it looks promicing. I am just wondering wether or not I will be able to tilt my motor up w/o it binding, and how much turning radius I will lose with a teleflex style steering. Also I need to find out what steering cables fit the ezy-glide universal kit.