Project boat steering help
This forum has been a big help so far through my project boat rennovation and i'm hoping some of you might be able to give some help or direction with my current issue.
When i bought the boat it had a Hydrive hydraulic steering system that i planned to reuse with the new (used) outboard. However, when i removed the old outboard, i found that i could not remove the rod that goes through the steering/tilt tube of the outboard due to corrosion, and in any case, the threads on one end of it were bent. The steering system is the bull-horn type where the rod through the tilt tube is fixed, with a thread at either end that bolts onto the hydraulic ram. In addition to this, i also have no idea whether the system is fully working. It seemed to work okay before i removed the outboard but it is one of the older (possibly the original) Hydrive systems and there is a bit of oil seepage from some of the fittings.
At this stage i figure i have 3 options:-
Option 1 is a new hydraulic system. Costs for my rennovation have already blown out so this would really be a last resort.
Option 2 is a new, non-feedback cable steering system. I have read (somewhere) that 90hp (as my outboard is) is about the recommended limit for cable systems. Anyone have any experience with a cable system on this size outboard? And can anyone recommend somewhere to buy and/or fit one with an idea of cost?
Option 3 is to try replace the missing rod and get the current unit working again. I have sent an enquiry to Hydrive about the part. Failing that, does anyone know of someone/somewhere that could machine one for me at a reasonable cost. It is basically a 5/8 inch diameter stainless rod about 450mm long with an M12 thread at each end.
Help or advice is appreciated.
Kingfisher549
Posts: 328
Date Joined: 15/09/09
New rod
Look up Blm online you can buy the parts you require separately from them.
Baron Sportsman Custom
iana
Posts: 652
Date Joined: 21/09/09
I have the No Feed back mech steering.
Looked up the Teleflex web site, they do not list any HP limitations, just say that its OK to use up to a 6cyl motor.
I have a 130 hp and no problems. Had to go for a bigger dia wheel, as the original took a bit of force to release the clutch. The good thing about it is being able to let go of the wheel and relax while underway.
If you can't fix your system and choose to go down this road, don't get any other except Teleflex. I tried one from Korea and it was dangerous.
till
Posts: 9358
Date Joined: 21/02/08
Don't bother fitting a
Don't bother fitting a cable-based system unless you're planning on selling the boat.
If you're planning on keeping it, fix the hydraulic.
Chivers
Posts: 142
Date Joined: 23/10/12
You can definitely get the
You can definitely get the rod from hydrive. I think it is the best part of a hundred bucks but surely cheaper than getting one made! You can get a complete Hydrive system new for about 850 I think. Once you've had hydraulic steering its hard to go back to cable!
Chivers Marine
31 Port Kembla Drive
Bibra Lake, WA 6163
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri 8:00am to 5:00pm
Sat 8:00am to 12:00pm
Sunday Closed
iana
Posts: 652
Date Joined: 21/09/09
Just adding on the NFB system
The "No feed back" steering system is not usually stocked by the chandlers, they only stock the cheaper standard unit. The cost of the NFB system is 100-200 more than the std system. If you can overhaul your hydraulic unit and replace missing and worn parts, I think you will be in front cost wise. looks like costs are about $200 for std system, $400 for NFB system and $850 for Hydraulic.
tigerfish
Posts: 88
Date Joined: 20/08/10
thanks guys, have ordered a
thanks guys, have ordered a new tilt tube rod assembly from Hydrive (not cheap considering what it is
). Once i've fitted it and bled the system will check to see if it is actually working.
TonyT
Posts: 501
Date Joined: 09/07/10
probably a bit late now, but
probably a bit late now, but if your desperate i could turn it up for you.