Choices, choices...best steering system

[tmcalavy]

My next step in restoring a mid-60's Texas Maid Impala 15 ft aluminum runabout is installing a new steering sytem. Lots of choices out there. Looks like a simple rotary system will work well, but which brand? Anyone have any experiences, good or bad, they want to relate about these brands: Teleflex, Rotech, Uflex. The boat will initially be equipped with two 18 hp Johnson Sea Horses, both from the mid-50's...I have the yoke necessary to connect the two and the steering bar need to hook the starboard outboard to the steering cable/arm. Any input is welcome. If the twin 18's don't work out, next option will be a late 50's, early 60's Sea Horse 35 hp...now undergoing repairs in my shop.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Choices, choices...best steering system

i have always use the teleflex rotary, user friendly, easy to install. here's the engine set up on my '55 15 hp. this was a port side control.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Choices, choices...best steering system

Thanks for the pix TD! Did the plate that holds the steering tube/cable to transom come with the steering system? May be interesting trying to rig two 18's on the transom...just want to do it to see how the boat goes with that set up.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Choices, choices...best steering system

no, it did not. they are available. but you can use the teleflex tramsom clamp. go to teleflex.com marine controls. instructions. if you can work on a motor you can install this easily.

 

[psehunter]

Re: Choices, choices...best steering system

Spend a little more and get no-feedback,u want regreet it.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Choices, choices...best steering system

No need for NFB system, with only 35 horses planned for the transom. Wowsers! Those transom steering clamp/mounts retail for over a C-note. That makes the old pulley/cable system worth reconsidering. Anyone ever fabbed up one of those mounts at home in the shop?

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Choices, choices...best steering system

Well guys, I decided to go back with cable-over-pulley steering on the Texas Maid. Found a steering wheel in the shop, bought some new cables and friction pins for the steering column...and 3 hours later I have refitted the steering system for a total cost of $23. Thanks for your input.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Choices, choices...best steering system

glad you kept it vintage.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Choices, choices...best steering system

Thanks TD. She's gonna look real sweet with two Johnson FD 18 hp's hanging on the transom. Next step is figure out the best way to rig the throttle/shift controls for both outboards.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Choices, choices...best steering system

every once in awhile, i see the double control on ebay, the old double shipmaster with 2 throttle, 2 shift levers. i've come close to buying one just to have it. they are basically 2 of these bolted together as a last resort. you will need 2 ignitions switches and choke buttons.

 

[DJ]

Re: Choices, choices...best steering system

Excellent post. Right to the point with all the info. needed!

Go with a system you feel comfortable with. I've used all three. My latest project gets a U Flex system. It's low HP, as yours is, so I'll never see the benefits of NFB.

If you were bolting on 150 HP, I'd say NFB or hydraulic but you're not.

I bought my latest U Flex system from iboats. Excellent service.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Choices, choices...best steering system

I'm on the hunt for a double Shipmaster control, but may go with 2 singles bolted and shimmed together. Won't have to bother with ignition switches/chokes with the two 18's, gonna keep them stock. They're easy to pull start/choke and they will be little more than 2 steps from the pilot's chair.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Choices, choices...best steering system

that's what i did the the 15hp.

 

[matt9923]

Re: Choices, choices...best steering system

Please post some pictures when you have dual 15hp motors on their. I gotta see that.
Matt