Steering Setup Question

[eullnj]

I'm considering upgrading to a NFB steering system because my wife likes driving the boat, but the steering is a little difficult for her when going faster. Will NFB make a difference with this?

How do I know whether I have one already (just in case I do)? I have a 1999 Smokercraft with a 125 Merc. I don't have a problem steering the boat, but I can see why my wife might be a little nervous when pulling somebody on a tube.

There are two numbers on the steering gear box under the dash:

98147
152612

I believe the gear box is already a teleflex with about a 3.25" cutout, so will it be hard to upgrade? Also, can I just use the same cable (currently is a teleflex)? I'd probably buy the kit with the cable, but in looking at how the cable connects to the motor, it looks like it might be a challenge to replace because where it exits the from underneath the gunwale and the back platform is a little offset from the motor itself. I can't pull it straight out (there's about 4 inches of room before the cable binds). If I have to change the cable, I'd have to drill out some rivets (which is fine), but I believe the cable is in good shape. The motor turns effortlessly when at idle or slow speeds in the water or sitting in the driveway.

Also, I believe it takes about 3.75 turns to go from end to end, but I may be wrong.

Thanks for any insight you can provide.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Steering Setup Question

which helm do you current have? also does your wheel turn when you turn the wheel loose at high speeds. i'm not sure NFB would make turning easier. Hydrolic would.

this is rotary.

this is rack.

 

[eullnj]

Re: Steering Setup Question

My setup looks exactly like this (although mine is still on the boat):

I'm guessing it's rotary. I do have the tilt steering. I'm wondering if it is NFB or not.

Also, even if it is and I have to replace the gear box (called the helm, it seems?), should I be able to use the same cable, if it's in good shape?

Thank you!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Steering Setup Question

like i said, NFB, is not going to make it steer easier, all it does is keep the prop torque steer under control.. this means you can turn loose the wheel and the boat will continue the course it is heading. yes you can use the same cable. the only thing that will make it easier, is to spend a bundle, on a hydrolic steering system.

 

[fdmsiv]

Re: Steering Setup Question

You have a NFB system there. Just got mine in today. Check ebay for the helms.

I agree with TD that the helm will not make it easier to steer. I would check your cable though, if you can. When at rest the cable could be fine, but add some stress and it could be binding somewhere.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Steering Setup Question

all boats steer harder at speed, you have the pressure of the water, wanting to keep the motor straight, and the torque steer.

 

[rocchetta]

Re: Steering Setup Question

which helm do you current have? also does your wheel turn when you turn the wheel loose at high speeds. i'm not sure NFB would make turning easier. Hydrolic would.

this is rotary.

this is rack.

Hi
I have the Rotary type of steering assembly
and steering has been very hard.
I noticed that there was a plastic tube on the top part of the assembly that the cable goes in and out. I tried to grease it up yesterday as I was turing it left and right. Is there any direction anywere on how to grease the box.
Thanks for your help.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Steering Setup Question

Hi
I have the Rotary type of steering assembly
and steering has been very hard.
I noticed that there was a plastic tube on the top part of the assembly that the cable goes in and out. I tried to grease it up yesterday as I was turing it left and right. Is there any direction anywere on how to grease the box.
Thanks for your help.

Rocchetta, you should start your own thread.