steering hook-up

[oldboat1]

I'm curious about the cable-to-motor connection --probably because I haven't had the newer type connections. I've used the transom-mount clamp that holds the steering cable stationary, but the newest hook-up, I guess, is the tilt-tube type. <br /><br />I want to rig an auxiliary motor for steering. (This is on an inboard, so I can't piggyback off the main motor.) I'm thinking I will locate the tilt-tube under the motor's mounting bracket (space just above the screws) -- don't know if that is typical or not. Additionally, I'm thinking that I might be able to make a tilt-tube out of PVC.<br /><br />So if my terms are right, why is the steering tube called a "tilt-tube"? It seems to be installed in a stationary position -- or is it really supposed to tilt and twist like the older transom clamps?<br /><br />And what about the idea of making a tube out of PVC? As long as the steering cable was properly held in place, it seems to me that should do the job.<br /><br />Would appreciate any thoughts.....

 

[jegervais]

Re: steering hook-up

The tilt tube is the pivot point for tilting the engine up & down. "Tilt-Tube Steering" gets its name from the steering cable being installed thru and the connection nut being torqued to the end of the tube. A steering arm (sometimes called a steering link or drag link) attaches the steering ram to the outboard. <br /><br />I'm not sure I follow your proposed idea for installation, but how would you "tap" threads into pvc to secure the steering cable nut to?? I would also question its ability to hold the nut (thread strength).<br /><br />What make/model is your kicker outboard?<br /><br />-John

 

[DJ]

Re: steering hook-up

oldboat1,<br /><br />It's referred to as a tilt tube because the tube (part of engine mounting bracket) that the steering cable goes through is also the hinge point for the engine tilt.<br /><br />The cable runs through this tube and is attached to the tube at the cable end. The other end of the tube holds the moving part of the cable.<br /><br />To make this set up work you will also need a link arm. To see one go to: www.westmarine.com and look for item # 275859

 

[oldboat1]

Re: steering hook-up

Thanks. I'm planning to use a '90 Evinrude Yachtwin (9.9 hp) and a '76/'77 Chrysler Sailor (10hp) -- would like to be able to use them interchageably. I didn't see a spot on the Evinrude for the tube, although I might not know what I'm looking at. The Chrysler is too old to have a place for the tube.<br /><br />I thought I could put the tube under the mounting bracket on each motor, in the opening above the screws and flush against the mounting board of the motor mount. I have a link arm in my collection of stuff, and I would be using that in what I take to be the usual fashion. Neither motor has a bracket on the lower cowling for the link arm to attach to, so I would either have to get or make one for each.<br /><br />I had in mind to look for threaded PVC plumbing nipples if I could find the right length and diameter, and get a couple of end caps. I would drill the end caps to fit the outside diameters of the cable at the appropriate points -- seems like it could be fit over the cable just like the manufactured ones. If the end caps didn't hold the tube in place under the motor clamp, it could be held to the mounting board with a clamp I could make (A hanger that plumbers use to secure overhead gas or water pipes would work, I think.) As long as the tube was supposed to remain stationary, I think it could work.<br /><br />Yes? No?

 

[Franki]

Re: steering hook-up

I am doing something similiar on my 100HP old Johnson, I didn't like the look of the aftermarket bracket, so I am halfway through making my own..<br /><br />I found a threaded brass plumming fitting that fit the nut on the steering cable..and I have a piece of steel tube that the other end fits in.. I am going to brase the two together.<br /><br />i have made brackets so the bolts holding the motor on will also hold this bracket. <br /><br />I put a hinge section on the brackets, so that it can move with the outboard when it tilts, and I'm using an adjustable joiner for the link arm.. it looks abit like this: <br />O--======--O and its bent into the appropraite shape, havent tested it yet, but the theory is there, should work well. as for the kicker, I will just put a pair of okky straps (elastic straps with hooks at both ends) between the main motor and the kicker, front and back, that way the kicker will be steered by the main motor, (which also makes a good rudder.)<br /><br />should all work well and the okky straps stay in the toolbox till they are needed, (hopefully never.)<br /><br />regards<br /><br />Frank

 

[oldboat1]

Re: steering hook-up

Frank -- good stuff. I think what you are doing with the steel tube (into the brass tube) is stepping down the inside diameter, right? (so that end of the steering tube will be a snug fit with the smaller diameter steering rod coming out of the steering cable). I hadn't thought of that, but I could do the same thing with PVC, cementing the smaller diameter tube into the larger one. I would be replacing the nut on the steering cable with a PVC one (a cap to fit the tube). I'm not sure why your device has to tilt with the motor (maybe because it extends out into the space the motor needs when it's tilted up?)<br /><br />You also have an interesting idea for attaching the auxiliary to the main motor -- sounds like it could work well enough, but probably wouldn't be very exacting (which is fine for trolling, when you only need to make rough corrections). I used a removable steering bar for a number of years -- first hooked between ventilation plates, as it was meant to do (not very convenient), then attached to the backs of the cowlings, then finally to the cowling fronts. I've never tried the EZ Steer device that straps on to the legs of the main and auxiliary motors, but understand that works well.<br /><br /> Curt