Mercury Ride Guide Steering Questions

69starcraft

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 11, 2007
Messages
169
My boat is a 1968 Glaspar Avalon. I have another thread about that restoration

This is a separate question regarding steering only, could pertain to any boat, Specifically the "Ride Guide" system. A search of the forums turned up very little.

I have a few dilemas and or possible solutions and wanted to get the opinion of the group:

The only info I can find on my current system is on the cable it says "Heavy Duty Ride Guide 14 foot 6 inches"

The Cable is Bent, apparently when the Original Merc Violently seized, and worthless.

I pulled this out from behind the dash:
000_0005-5.jpg


This part appears to be flawless, teeth are ok.

This is whats on the other end of the cable
000_0006-2.jpg


Besides being bent it just has a nut on it. Nothing else came with the boat as far as "attaching" the cable to the transom.

So, I am not sure what is the best and most importantly CHEAPEST option to steer my 1987 Johnson 48 special motor :D

Do I

1. Try and find a replacement cable (I have learned this system is obsolete, but cables can be found)

2. Fabricate a mount for the transom to hold said cable?

3. Guy from craigslist says he has a complete steering system from a 16 ft boat, had a 70 hp johnson. He wants $25 but is unsure of transom end and/or motor hookups (motor gone) I have to wait till This Saturday to go look

4. New Teleflex Steering system currently out of reach cost wise...plus I need the transom mount piece which ads about $80 per a post I found from Tasha's daddy that I FORGOT to save the link to:mad:

5. Just go ahead and use a spare old school Pulley and clothesline style setup I have (with brass pulleys and rollers) saved from my 1954 Feathercraft restoration I plan to start when kid is in college

Sorry for the long post...hopefully I can get some opinions

#%$#@ boat is almost ready except I can't steer it. I am tempted to ratchet strap a broom handle to it as a tiller and AT LEAST take a trial run lol


T
 
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