Rack vs Rotary Steering

[paceac]

What is better for a boat without power steering? I have a 1985 15' Gregor with a 30 horsepower Johnson.

 

[TD_Maker]

Re: Rack vs Rotary Steering

Supergreek,<br />Normally, boats with lower horsepower do not come with power steering anyway; in fact, there are still 30 HP Tiller motors around.<br /><br />Rack vs Rotary? Really makes no difference. Question is: Which one do you have room for under the console or dashboard?

 

[paceac]

Re: Rack vs Rotary Steering

I know lower horsepower boats don't usually have power steering. I was wondering which system (rack or rotary) is better for a boat without power steering. On the front of the Teleflex Safe-T QC and Rack box it says "Recommended for boats with power steering". So what is recommended for boats without power steerin?

 

[ebaftj01]

Re: Rack vs Rotary Steering

TD_maker is right, depends what you have room for unuder your dash, i was looking at both, and i was thinking of changing mine but i was going to get the QC, not the rack and i'll tell you why, if you ever plan on drilling more holes in your dash to put more electronics and gauges in your dash, the rack will block more space behind it making it harder for you to install whatever else on that dash...

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Rack vs Rotary Steering

Teleflex is on this kick about torque in the wheel and their No Feedback systems. The statement on the box refers to mainly sterndrive and inboard motors that have power steering. With power steering you'll not feel the torque in the wheel. It's hidden or masked by the hydraulic unit. <br /><br />They're saying that if you dont have power steering then you should use the No Feedback system. I, for one, disagree with that. Both systems have their place on boats. With and without power. It should go by the individuals preference and requirements.<br /><br />You'll be fine with that system on your boat. No problem what so ever.<br /><br />There is power steering on some outboards like the larger V6 & V8's from OMC years ago. Hynautic had an aftermarket system called Hy-Dyne. Obviously Teleflex inherited that after they bought out Morse Control a few years back.

 

[paceac]

Re: Rack vs Rotary Steering

I was thinking the rack system may be better since it is 4 turns lock-to-lock instead of 3 with the rotary. I thought this would be better for a boat without power steering.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Rack vs Rotary Steering

Dunno what I have but here tis the facts. Last boat was a Ranger 17' with a 115 tower of power (Of course it's black). Steering very sensitive to engine torque....'89 vintage rotary steering. Turn the wheel loose and it would go where the engine told it to go.<br /><br />Current rig is a hull built in '00 with rack and pinion. Dunno if it's the Teleflex advertised no feedback, but it is no feedback. You put the helm where you want it (fingertip ease now with a new cable; old cable was frozen up pretty much) and it stays there; regardless of what the engine is doing; trim angle, speed or what have you.<br /><br />HTH,<br /><br />Mark

 

[Mark42]

Re: Rack vs Rotary Steering

I have a teleflex rotary unit steering a 40hp Johnson with small (aprox 13") diameter steering wheel. The effort is minimal to turn the motor lock to lock. About as easy as the power steering in my car, and easier than the garden tractor. It is a pleasure to drive.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Rack vs Rotary Steering

Rotary rack cables are WAY easier to install. The bulky flat rack is tough to feed thru on many boats. The end of the rotary cable is simply that ... the end of a cable. Much smaller, fully flexible.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Rack vs Rotary Steering

Well Willy when I put my rack in, I started at the helm. Worked ok.<br /><br />Mark

 

[Realgun]

Re: Rack vs Rotary Steering

The rack is behind the bottom of the steering wheel on my rack. I did not find anything blocking my instruments at all.<br /><br />I got the No Feed Back and like it when your alone and you leave the helm for a pepsi. There is no chance the motor will creep outa line. Or worse hit a wave and turn the motor a few degrees and push me over the side. And yes I check for other boats for a few hundred yards to be sure I am not going to run into anybody.