replace pulley and cable steering

[hawkman222]

I've got an older aluminum boat with a 1970 Evinrude 40 HP. The steering sysytem is the old pulley and cable type and I was hoping to upgrade to something a little more modern. The motor is set up for pulley and cable, with two mounted pulleys on each side and also a quick connect on the handle. I'm not seeing any obvious way to convert. The motor end of the steering system will not easily accept a modern cable setup. Does anyone have any experience with this sort of thing? Are there manufactuers out there with systems to fit older motors?

 

[steelespike]

Re: replace pulley and cable steering

We had a 67 Evinrude 40 hp hooked to a modern
push pull system.1970 Starcraft factory steering.I think your motor has a similar setup on the front.I think there are many adapters to attach modern system to your motor.Try a search right here at iboats.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: replace pulley and cable steering

There's basically three ways. Teleflex has a hookup kit, Uflex has a less expensive hookup kit, and then there's the T & R marine way.

The Teleflex and Uflex both work essentially the same way. They use a standard steering setup that is normally used with a tilt tube. Since you don't have one, they make a rig that is attached to the transom beside the outboard which holds the steering end, and the rod comes out of the steering tube is attached to the outboard's "handle" by a clevis or whatever. They make a slightly less hokey setup for splashwells. The various bits that make this system work are expensive, so you may want to make a few of the parts yourself.

Another setup that works on a completely different princepal is the T&R marine plate. I guess a picture is worth a thousand words:

EDIT: Teleflex system:

 

[hawkman222]

Re: replace pulley and cable steering

Thanks! Your right about the prices. I checked the T&R website and the plate seemed a little spendy. I've got a couple of old push/pull cables laying around, I think I'll do a little experimenting before I lay out too much cash. A guy may be able to fab up something on his own.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: replace pulley and cable steering

Unless you go custom built, I doubt you'll be away for less than $250 no matter which system you go with.

On the Teleflex setup, the goofy transom clamp dealy goes for $75, and the clevis for another $30. So really it's a wash. The uFlex stuff is normally a little cheaper.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: replace pulley and cable steering

Is there any particular reason you feel you need to change your setup at all? Properly maintained and adjusted, a pulley/cable steering system is more than adequate, especially at the power level you are dealing with. I had a 1963 17 foot boat with an 85 horse motor, and pulley/cable steering. It was very dependable. I adjusted it, used locking bolts throughout, used new cable and never had a problem. Just a thought...

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: replace pulley and cable steering

I agree with Jason. I have that system on my little 16' runabout and I like it alot. Very reliable and responsive when adjusted correctly....