Rotary versus rack and pinion steering?

[mickjetblue]

I have an '85 Bayliner, 19' Capri, and it's a nice boat.
It has rack and pinion steering, and when the wind is up and we're turning,
or sometimes when pulling a boarder, well, I can definitely feel what I find
to be called feedback. It actually takes some arm work to keep on course
under those situations.

Would it benefit any to upgrade to rotary steering, or do I need to upgrade all the way
up to a no feedback system to feel any difference in feedback? Is feedback
a characteristic of rack and pinion steering?

Thanks.

 

[puddle jumper]

Re: Rotary versus rack and pinion steering?

I have installed a couple of rotary steering systems in peoples boats. Its like a night and day. I think its well worth it.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Rotary versus rack and pinion steering?

i highly prefer rotary over rack systems, but what you are feeling, you need to go to no feed back. i use it on all my personal boats.

 

[Ned L]

Re: Rotary versus rack and pinion steering?

I guess, to each his own. I have never liked a steering system that has no feedback, it just feels dead. My favorite type of system (& about the most rugged & reliable) is traditional 'pipe steering' (before most of your time); you could put the wheel hard over, and when you let it go it would return almost to center on its own.

 

[QC]

Re: Rotary versus rack and pinion steering?

Ned, is "pipe steering" the type with galvanised pipe and an automotive steering box like on an old Chris?

 

[5150abf]

Re: Rotary versus rack and pinion steering?

Hands down rotary, they rarely if ever wear out and the action is way better than a rack.

 

[Ned L]

Re: Rotary versus rack and pinion steering?

QC - Yes, that is what 'pipe steering' is. everything moves so freely with that type of steering that you can grab & turn the rudder and make the wheel spin. Very easy steering. - Friends of ours have a new 32' Cruisers Inc. that I spend a lot of time running & the steering just seems dead & unresponsive. - oh well, to each his own.

 

[QC]

Re: Rotary versus rack and pinion steering?

Interesting . . . I have two steering boxes and most of the required hardware for an inboard project I am working on, was gonna scrap and use rotary . . . Now you have me rethinking . . . Sorry for the hijack!

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Rotary versus rack and pinion steering?

deleted

 

[Hitech]

Re: Rotary versus rack and pinion steering?

Which one has the least slop (play)?