What's better??? Rack and pinion or rotary steering???

[emilime75]

I have a 77 Merc 115 horse and need to replace the steering. As of the moment the motor is on the back of a 16' bass boat, but I plan on putting it on a ski boat, also 16 foot. When this happens I will be buying a new steering system for it and was not sure what would be better and why, rack and pinion or rotary?

 

[j_martin]

Re: What's better??? Rack and pinion or rotary steering???

I think rack is a little tighter. Dual rack is real tight as you adjust the cables so there is 0 backlash in the cable system.

Dual rack is used on V6 applications that go faster than 50 mph.

I think the teleflex site has a specification table for steering.

hope it helps
John

 

[emilime75]

Re: What's better??? Rack and pinion or rotary steering???

When you say tighter and less backlash, I assume you mean less slop in the steering where there is a tighter/better response from the steering wheel?

Are either smoother or require less effort?

Which one is sturdier and typically lasts longer?

I tried exploring the Teleflex site and could not find this chart.

 

[emilime75]

Re: What's better??? Rack and pinion or rotary steering???

Anyone else have an opinion?

 

[j_martin]

Re: What's better??? Rack and pinion or rotary steering???

Yes, rack and pinion is always tighter, stronger, and safer.

In a high performance boat, if there is any side to side play in the engine at all, it'll chine walk, possibly into a serious accident. That's why dual rack is the minimum steering on a high performance V6 setup.

The difference is between constant fighting to maintain control, and being able to let go of the helm at 60 mph in reasonably calm waer.

Rack can be a bit more difficult to install, but it'll fit any normal console.

I'll hunt for the chart. If I can't find it on the web, I'll post a picture of a Teleflex steering box when I get to work.

hope it helps
John

 

[j_martin]

Re: What's better??? Rack and pinion or rotary steering???

Here you go. Googled "teleflex steering chart" and this is hit #1

http://www.teleflexmarine.com/libra... Steering Quick Ref Hanging Card(faxable).pdf