no steering at high speed!!

[Fed]

Re: no steering at high speed!!

Check the back half of your hulls for hook.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: no steering at high speed!!

its a tight circle under the floor due to long cable.

Explain further,,, how tight of a circle? Under high force (WOT) the outboard could be forcing the cable (core) into the cover (outer jacket) and not allowing it to slip freely, binding the cable. In the installation instructions, it should tell you what the minimum bend circumference is for the cable.

 

[jjacobs007]

Re: no steering at high speed!!

Explain further,,, how tight of a circle? Under high force (WOT) the outboard could be forcing the cable (core) into the cover (outer jacket) and not allowing it to slip freely, binding the cable. In the installation instructions, it should tell you what the minimum bend circumference is for the cable.

Ill look into it, I bought the whole thing on ebay for 40.00 but the tight circle is under a foot and a half by my guess. ill pull it out and leave extra cable under the console to be shure.

 

[RZR2007]

Re: no steering at high speed!!

Explain further,,, how tight of a circle? Under high force (WOT) the outboard could be forcing the cable (core) into the cover (outer jacket) and not allowing it to slip freely, binding the cable. In the installation instructions, it should tell you what the minimum bend circumference is for the cable.

Never thought about that, I'll have to look at this as soon as I can get time to get the boat out again, thanks for the help!

 

[fishrdan]

Re: no steering at high speed!!

1 1/2' might be too tight of a circle, seems too tight to me. Is there space to make a lazy zig-zag with the cable, instead of the circle?

 

[jjacobs007]

Re: no steering at high speed!!

1 1/2' might be too tight of a circle, seems too tight to me. Is there space to make a lazy zig-zag with the cable, instead of the circle?

yes i can do that,just unhook the cable and pull it out and leave the rest under the console.do you think that would be causing me the no steering on plane though,sounds weird.

 

[RZR2007]

Re: no steering at high speed!!

jjacobs
Finally got the boat out today for it's 2nd maiden voyage! I can now steer the boat with one finger!
1st thing we did was a new transom, It had some flex when we had it out the first time, I core drilled it before this project was started and sure was dry and solid around the motor, however I didn't go out far enough, someone added ski hooks and didn't add any sealer, it was shot on both sides allowing for a bit of flex, sounded solid with the thump test, obviously very misleading way to test it. 2nd thing we did was raise the motor up, I see from your pictures you are on the top bolt hole, I am now on the bottom hole (motor all the way up). This worked for me, check the height of your anticav plate, I am now just above the bottom of the boat, and check the strength of your transom. I can finally say that this project is finally done and after a major transformation she is sea worthy after sitting for the last 16 years, I'll send you some pics as soon as I can get them uploaded! Let us know what you find when you get yours fixed!

 

[jjacobs007]

Re: no steering at high speed!!

jjacobs
Finally got the boat out today for it's 2nd maiden voyage! I can now steer the boat with one finger!
1st thing we did was a new transom, It had some flex when we had it out the first time, I core drilled it before this project was started and sure was dry and solid around the motor, however I didn't go out far enough, someone added ski hooks and didn't add any sealer, it was shot on both sides allowing for a bit of flex, sounded solid with the thump test, obviously very misleading way to test it. 2nd thing we did was raise the motor up, I see from your pictures you are on the top bolt hole, I am now on the bottom hole (motor all the way up). This worked for me, check the height of your anticav plate, I am now just above the bottom of the boat, and check the strength of your transom. I can finally say that this project is finally done and after a major transformation she is sea worthy after sitting for the last 16 years, I'll send you some pics as soon as I can get them uploaded! Let us know what you find when you get yours fixed!

glad to hear yours is fixed! Mine is better now i put reenforcement on the transom bracket making it more solid and removed my trim tab for now,i can steer at wot now and i just trim it up more than i did before.Made my first u turn and i can steer anywhere but not with one finger.This boat is a old one but i love it!Went to trim it up and the tilt rod locked out causing the trim rods to push mtr into the transom therefore weaking the transom,sucks but i have resupported it and will put a new one one day.It sits in a covered storage spot for 80.00 a month and i cant work on it at my mobile home park.Was at lake on tuesday trying to help look for a missing man at calville bay.Sadly he drowned but i and many others were there hoping he was on the beach tired after the ordeal.

 

[jdlough]

Re: Hydrolic Steering Questiion

Re: Hydrolic Steering Questiion

I doubt you get the tilt function included for $400. I'd still get it, though.

My two boats with mechanical steering have a bit too much play in the steering wheel. (Meaning I can turn the wheel about 6" back and forth before it affects steering.)

My friends' boats with hydraulic steering have no play at all.

It may just be that my boats' mechanical steering is worn, though.


My mech steering boats do NOT have the no-feedback system. Meaning, that if I let go of the wheel while driving, the wheel starts turning all by itself.

Mechanical steering with no-feedback, the wheel kind of "sticks" in place. When you turn back and forth, you kind of break the wheel out from the sticking point, if that makes sense. Some folks don't like this feeling. Some don't care.

Hydraulic steering is no-feedback, but there's no sticking wheel. It just feels smoother.


You don't NEED it, but I usually regret not buying something more than buying something.
Not the best financial advice, but hey, we're talking about boats here.

It would make your boat easier to sell later. If you wanted to upgrade to hydraulic steering later, iboats sells the BayStar hydraulic kit for your boat for $675. Then there's the installation/labor cost.
http://www.iboats.com/Complete-Mari...5557220--**********.209300993--view_id.246971

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: How to go about building a steering system?

Re: How to go about building a steering system?

Check iBoats.com

They have main choices.

Use the advanced search feature on the forum home page. In fact there are 5 similar threads listed by the forum server at the end of every thread, these were at the end of yours while I am posting this:

• [h=6]Uflex rotech steering system where a dual cable steering was?[/h] By 444 in forum Boat Topics and Questions (not engine topics)
  
  Replies: 2 Last Post: May 16th, 2011, 05:38 PM
  
  
• [h=6]Replacing a steering wheel on a Teleflex steering system?[/h] By BoneDigger in forum Boat Topics and Questions (not engine topics)
  
  Replies: 7 Last Post: April 10th, 2009, 06:31 PM
  
  
• [h=6]Steering upgrade from a cable pulley system with no steering tube on motor[/h] By stacyg in forum Boat Restoration, Building, and Hull Repair
  
  Replies: 5 Last Post: January 19th, 2009, 09:50 AM
  
  
  
• [h=6]building a side console need steering[/h] By beertech44 in forum Boat Topics and Questions (not engine topics)
  
  Replies: 1 Last Post: December 21st, 2003, 05:55 PM
  
  
• [h=6]building a side console need a steering system[/h] By beertech44 in forum Boat Restoration, Building, and Hull Repair
  
  Replies: 1 Last Post: December 21st, 2003, 05:46 PM
  
  
  You may find some others when you do an advanced search. And from the main forum home page, it should pull them form several areas of the forum: repair, general questions, specific to MFG boats etc
  
  You may find some MFG rebuild threads w/ good info too if you search the MFG owners group & the restoration threads.
  
  

 

[mbecke2]

Boat pulls hard to right, trying to figure out steering system

I have a 21' skeeter bay with 150 mariner. Boat pulls really hard to the right and steering is very loose with a lot of play. I am positive it is not the skeg thing (steering fin) that you can adjust left or right. I was told it may be the bushings but I am not sure how to check them or if that is the cause. I had someone hold the steering wheel while I pushed and pulled on the motor and there was lots of play. I was wondering if I need a new steering system (hydro, no feedback, dual steering) or if my steering system is fine and it is something on the motor, like the bushings. And can I fix the bushings myself or is that hard?? Also if there is a way to check my steering system to make sure it is working properly. Its just killing me not being able to figure out this steering issue. I have driven a boat my exact size and I could steer with one finger going 45mph. In my boat, I am using all my strength to hold the steering wheel from spinning to the right and if I let go for a milisecond the boat with cut right all the way and I'll do a 360!!! Thanks for any help.

 

[coastalrichard]

Re: Boat pulls hard to right, trying to figure out steering system

Re: Boat pulls hard to right, trying to figure out steering system

M...why are you so sure it's not the "skeg thing"?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Boat pulls hard to right, trying to figure out steering system

Re: Boat pulls hard to right, trying to figure out steering system

I am positive it is not the skeg thing (steering fin) that you can adjust left or right.

Ayuh,.... I think yer wrong,.... It's either the torque tab, or the prop....

I had someone hold the steering wheel while I pushed and pulled on the motor and there was lots of play.

The Idea, is to see, Exactly Where the play is.... So,... Exactly Where is it,..??

 

[rickryder]

Re: Boat pulls hard to right, trying to figure out steering system

Re: Boat pulls hard to right, trying to figure out steering system

Have someone hold the wheel while you move the OB and look where the play is.... I would go after that problem first....

 

[cr2k]

Re: Boat pulls hard to right, trying to figure out steering system

Re: Boat pulls hard to right, trying to figure out steering system

If your boat is pulling hard to Port move the tab to Port.
If the bushings you are talking about are the engine piviot ones it requires the whole thing to come apart. And that means everything.

 

[louiefl]

Re: Boat pulls hard to right, trying to figure out steering system

Re: Boat pulls hard to right, trying to figure out steering system

The trim tab is an easy enough thing to test. Tilt up the engine, mark the existing location with a sharpie, loosen the screw and while looking at the bolt / trim tab, rotate it clockwise 10 degrees and tighten everything up. Run and repeat as needed. The rotation is kind of counterintuitive - you'd think that if it pulls to the right you would rotate the rear of the trim tab to the left. Not the case. My boat had a serious pull to the right when I bought it, but in 20 minutes had it tracking straight.

 

[jdlough]

Teleflex Xtreme Mechanical Steering install and review

I did NOT qualify for the Teleflex Xtreme Mechanical Steering Iboats giveaway, but I bought the kit here on Iboats anyway. 33% off list special introductory price. http://www.iboats.com/NEW-for-2012-...8928815--session_id.226673084--view_id.961870

Installing on a 1997 Seaswirl Striper 2100DC with Johnson 175HP outboard. The old steering was loose, had play in the steering wheel, and was not NFB. It is the original Teleflex quick connect 3 turns lock-to-lock rotary helm that came with the boat.

I figure the install will take 2 days (I have too many other ongoing projects). Today I just wanted to make sure I could get the old system out without removing the outboard.

I had a bit of a problem removing the steering wheel. I removed the center nut, but the wheel was stuck. I tried the "rap the nut with a hammer while pulling on the wheel" method, but it was still stuck. Some here recommended some version of a bearing puller, but I am too impatient to go and get one. What worked was standard shims, like the kind you use for installing a door. After loosening the center wheel nut, I rapped a couple of shims between the back of the wheel and the old Teleflex bezel. It slowly forced the wheel right off.



With that out of the way, I now had to disengage the old cable from the outboard, without removing the outboard.
As you can see, I did not have enough room to pull the tube out from the motor hinge before it ran up against the side of the splashwell.



So I removed the cable boot and drilled a hole in the splashwell, directly inline with the steering tube.



It worked. I may need a slightly bigger cable boot to cover the hole. If so, I'll get a split boot, so I can install it without disconnecting all those cables. I may just patch that hole, if it's visible. At any rate, I WILL seal the plywood behind the splashwell fiberglass that was exposed from cutting that hole.




Tomorrow, I'll disconnect the old cable from the helm, attached the helm-end of the old cable to some electrician fish-tape, and pull the old cable out through the splashwell.

Installing the new Xtreme steering should now be a piece o'cake.

FYI, want my wheel to be tilted a bit up from its present position, so I considered getting the Xtreme with tilt steering. I rejected the tilt steering because it appears that the tilt mechanism makes your wheel stick out a few inches farther away from the helm, and I did not want to take up any additional space.

One Teleflex tech said I could use their standard 20 degree bezel (Part SB27483P http://www.iboats.com/Bezel-Black-2...8873078--session_id.226673084--view_id.169317). A different Teleflex tech said it would not fit. I ordered it anyway, and it looks like it SHOULD fit. I'll let you know tomorrow after the install and sea trial.

Now I have to do some yard work.

Jim

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Teleflex Xtreme Mechanical Steering install

Re: Teleflex Xtreme Mechanical Steering install

Many people including myself have to un-bolt the motor and slide it over on the transom to get the steering cable to slide into the tube. That is the recommended method

 

[jdlough]

Re: Teleflex Xtreme Mechanical Steering install

Re: Teleflex Xtreme Mechanical Steering install

Many people including myself have to un-bolt the motor and slide it over on the transom to get the steering cable to slide into the tube.

With this outboard I'd have to trailer the boat and hang the motor from a hoist or tree limb before unbolting.
I can't just slide it over.

I don't see why they didn't just line up the splashwell cable hole with the steering cable in the first place.

At any rate, the boot will cover the enlarged cable hole, and I'll be back out on the water quicker.

 

[jdlough]

Re: Teleflex Xtreme Mechanical Steering install

Re: Teleflex Xtreme Mechanical Steering install

The new steering is installed. It turns out that installing the new is even easier than removing the old.

I disconnected the old cable at the helm, taped it to electrician's fish tape, and pulled it out through the splashwell. Then taped the fish tape to the new cable and pulled it up to the helm. No snags.

(FYI, the 1997 SeaSwirl 2100DC takes a 16' cable)

I cleaned out the steering tube on the motor by soaking a rag strip in acetone and pulling it through with the fish tape.
I greased up the steering rod with marine grease, and it slipped right in.


The 20 degree bezel DOES fit the Xtreme steering. I belt-sanded the back of the bezel a bit to fit my slightly curved console. I also greased the steering wheel spindle a bit to make removing the wheel easier for the next time I need to pull the wheel.

Also, the key did not fit in that slot on the spindle. I had to grind the key down a bit with the belt sander to get it to fit. Not a big deal.



I had to shift the cable boot over a bit to cover up that hole I drilled in the splashwell wall. It looks fine.



Now for my review.

I installed the helm and steering wheel, and I thought I made a mistake buying this thing. Even before attaching the cable to the helm, the steering felt stiff, and was harder to turn than my old steering (even with the old steering attached and turning the motor). My old steering was not NFB, and I thought I am going to regret this NFB feel. Also, my old steering was 3 turns lock-to-lock, which was fine for my 175HP outboard. The new steering is supposed to be 4.2 turns lock-to-lock. With my new Xtreme it actually takes 5.5 turns of the wheel from lock-to-lock. So, the wheel is harder to turn, and I need to turn the wheel more to make the same course change. I was not happy.

During the sea trial, my opinion changed some. For some reason, it seems easier and smoother to steer while actually moving. It seems to turn a bit easier to starboard than to port, which makes sense considering prop torque. It's still stiffer than my old steering. Maybe it'll get easier as it breaks in.

It took a few minutes to get used to the NFB, but now I love it. I stand up to drive, and with the old steering I had to hang onto the wheel, or brace it against my thigh at all times. Now it feels a bit like auto pilot. I now generally drive lightly touching the wheel, instead of holding it in a death grip. It's not like hydraulic steering - you can't turn with one finger - you still have to grab the wheel to turn, which is fine.

The 5.5 turns lock-to-lock is still very annoying. I suppose I'll get used to it. It mostly doesn't matter - I don't make high speed quick turns like in a James Bond movie. I mostly notice it backing off the lift and making a 180 degree turn around to head out. I have to spin the wheel a lot.

Oh yeah, the steering wheel play is almost totally gone (maybe 1/2"). That was my main reason for getting a new steering system.

Again, I am now a big fan of No Feedback. But if this Xtreme NFB turns smoother and easier than the regular NFB, I am REALLY glad I didn't get the regular NFB.