Replacing Steering System

I have a question about replacing the steering system cable and helm on my boat it is a 1977 Crestliner Nordic AMF 16 ft....It has a rotary system with one cable..

I just removed the cable and helm and was wondering if I could put a different kind of system on my boat or do i have to use the same type...
I can take a picture of it if you need it.

Also I measure the cable length with what we could get straight it measured at 15 13/16 long should I get a cable that is 15 ' ..

I need to know how to hook my fuel gage up right so it turns on with the key and not the light switch....

I would like to hook up a speedometer to is that to hard to do it has currently a tach on there that doesn't work would that be better ....

We have 2 pedal stool seats mounted in the from but the bolts came out is there a better way of bolting them in or should I put in the orginal lounge type seats...

I can't wait to get my boat back together so i can take it out we had a blast last time...

Any info would be very helpful.....

Thank You,
John

Re: Replacing Steering System

There has to be someone here who can help me...

Re: Replacing Steering System

steering systems are pretty universal.

rotary
rack and pinion
and hydraulic

hydro steering may be a bit much for your boat.

but both rotary and R&P have single cable, or dual. And the 'no feedback' option. where the engine cant move the wheel. meaning if you let go of the steering wheel it wont make an instant turn, it'll stay going where you left it.

ether system will work on almost all boats, and adapt to almost all engines.

you can replace just the cable if you want, or replace just the helm, or buy the kit and get both.


a speedometer will work just fine too.

all it is, is a Gage a long tube, and a little watter wheel that mounts to the transom. It has nothing to do with the engine or boat type

(well, the back-light will need power. but if your not using your boat at night you don't NEED the speedometer to be lit)

...but do you really NEED the speedometer?

I cant help on the tach, obviously, its wired wrong....


Bolts......

what condition is your deck in? rotted?

how big is the base on the pedestal?

a quick simple fix may be to screw the pedestal base onto a piece of wood/metal/some type of frame, then screw that down to the boat

I'll bring it up however thick the wood is mind you. but it sound like you just don't have enough surface area on it.

Re: Replacing Steering System

I need to replace the whole system cable and helm...
I already have a new sterring wheel...

I need to know what size cable I need....I measure the old 1 and it seems to be 15' 13/16 so do i go with a 15 ft cable or 16 ft cable....
Should I go with the rotary no feed back option would that be best.

I just want to do this right i'm new to boating and I wanna make everything safe for my family I have 3 small children....

Speedometer sounds easy to hook up....
I don't really think need it just an option..

Yeah tach doesnt work is wired but nada...

I need to figure out how to wire my fuel gauge to come on with the key...
It is hooked up to come on with lights...


Deck is not rotted it is in good shape....I agree with you I don't think there is much to bolt it too the floor....
Maybe I can get the pedestals where it has a ring that goes under the floor and then you bolt the pedestal to that....

Anyway thanks for the help and anymore info you can give will be helpful..
Thank You,
John

Re: Replacing Steering System

well, what size is your boat and engine?


when you say 15' 13/16, you mean 15' and 13/16's of an inch right?

if so im sure a 15' wold work, and you could squeeze another inch out of it

Re: Replacing Steering System

Boat is 16 Ft long....
It has a 1977 Johnson 70 HP engine on it

Yes 15feet and 13/16's of an inch ...I would say I would need 16 ft wouldn't you...

Re: Replacing Steering System

well. i dont know if a 15' cable is exaclt 15 feet or not.

if you have room for the cable go for it.

rotary will work fine

Re: Replacing Steering System

I measured it and rounded to the nearest ft like Tashasdaddy said,
I came up with 14 ft....and I'm going with the no feed back rotary sysyem...

Thanks to all the helped....This is a great forum...
John