Yep, depending on how much room/slack you want in your system. Shouldn't affect steering, just aesthetics/space.
I initially tried marine grease to lube mine, but found it was what was gunking up my system. I have since switched to WD40 to clean out and lube. Maybe a lighter grease would be...
That will make replacing them easier if it is ever needed. Any worries about the sun warping them, or thought that heat will help make it flatter over time?
SHSU
We went from a rack and pinion to rotary too. As for any tips, just get the measurement right. We went with Sea Star and only issue has been it getting stiff at the motor. The steering tube gets junked up and makes it hard to turn. Don't think that is on Sea Star but more on the old motor...
I wanted to do something similar with an anchor roller, but realized I didn't have the space to store it up front like I would have wanted. I just use a milk crate type container to hold the rope and anchor. Makes it easy to remove and such since I have different anchors depending on...
Great progress!!
We all have made mistakes and mess-ups on our boats. I have a couple knife points/razors through my vinyl too. It just adds to the character of the boat.
SHSU
If you are deciding to move forward, your plan isn't far off from what others have done.
As for an epoxy filler, Total Boat make some stuff and I use JB Weld, but I didn't have corrosion as bad as yours.
SHSU
We take our SS16 out a couple miles to the end of the Jettys in the Gulf of Mexico. Have to pick our days but loads of fun. I just wish I had space for a bigger hull. Requirement I had was to fit in the garage so I didn't have to pay for storage....
SHSU
As others have said, how much money do you want to spend.... I think most of us have thrown way more money into our hulls then we could ever hope to get out of them. These are projects that make no sense but we love them all the same.
SHSU
