Changing pulley steering to rod steering?

[JoshOnt]

I have a old merc that has pully steering and am considering replacing the hull or rebuilding it. I have noticed that it is hard to find a hull with a pulley steering system or even parts online to restore my current hull. Is it possible to convert the motors steering to a rod style steering system? If so any advice on it?

 

[smokeonthewater]

You would have to be a LOT more specific about what your "old merc" is but yes it's possible... Just takes different stuff depending on what engine you have.

 

[GA_Boater]

As Smoke said - The short answer is yes and what you need is dependent on the motor. What do you have?

What's so wrong with the boat that you would consider replacing it because of parts?

 

[jbcurt00]

Parts for the pulley system shouldnt be hard to find.

 

[JoshOnt]

As Smoke said - The short answer is yes and what you need is dependent on the motor. What do you have?

What's so wrong with the boat that you would consider replacing it because of parts?

It is a 1977 Merc 50 HP and the boat has sank 2 times we figure. I know for sure it sank once and we think maybe once more before I bought it. It is a bit water logged to say the least but it still floats and does well enough but would like to fix it or replace it.

 

[GA_Boater]

It is a 1977 Merc 50 HP and the boat has sank 2 times we figure. I know for sure it sank once and we think maybe once more before I bought it. It is a bit water logged to say the least but it still floats and does well enough but would like to fix it or replace it.

Sunk once or twice - Good reason.

A '77 Merc 50 should have a tilt tube for a steering cable to fit through and connect to the steering rod. There are kits to get around having a steering rod. It all depends on what boat you get. Or if you stay with this one, dry her out and fix her up.

 

[JoshOnt]

Sunk once or twice - Good reason.

A '77 Merc 50 should have a tilt tube for a steering cable to fit through and connect to the steering rod. There are kits to get around having a steering rod. It all depends on what boat you get. Or if you stay with this one, dry her out and fix her up.

Yeah figured that would be a good reason to although not needed. I have been googling to see what I can find for advice or kits and have come up blank. Any idea where I could find a kit?

Also here is a image that is the same style of steering as I currently have.
http://s290.photobucket.com/user/Fuzzeywiggler/media/BoatRepair116.jpg.html

 

[GA_Boater]

I have the same cable/pulley system on mine. If a newer boat has rotary or rack & pinion steering you need a steering rod - http://www.iboats.com/T-R-Steering-L...-view_id.40158 or a kit like this if you skip the steering rod - http://www.iboats.com/Steering-Accessories/dm/cart_id.130545627--session_id.503676643--view_id.47748

 

[JoshOnt]

I have the same cable/pulley system on mine. If a newer boat has rotary or rack & pinion steering you need a steering rod - http://www.iboats.com/T-R-Steering-L...-view_id.40158 or a kit like this if you skip the steering rod - http://www.iboats.com/Steering-Accessories/dm/*******.130545627--**********.503676643--view_id.47748

Thanks! This looks like just what I need.

 

[GA_Boater]

YW, Josh. Got a new boat on the hook?

 

[JoshOnt]

YW, Josh. Got a new boat on the hook?

Yes going to look at it in a few hours. Checkmate ski boat 16ft planning to use a '77 50 hp merc on it and maybe ski and tube if I can.

 

[GA_Boater]

Good luck!

 

[JoshOnt]

Here is an image of my current system. http://imgur.com/LzBokq8 and here is one similar to what I just bought (link below) My new one is missing the rod that attaches to the motor so other than that what part do I need to get the steering to work properly.

https://www.google.ca/url?sa=i&rct=...XNm_pJI-wH-_SRWr3s3l1TJw&ust=1436659792070138

 

[GA_Boater]

All you need is the steering link rod like the first link in post #6 and hook it up like the HTH link. The rod is adjustable for length.