Steering Conversion???

[JLMiok]

Hi guys. I have a 1988 Venture bass boat. It has a rack and pinion steering. I don't think it came from the factory like it is rigged up. There is a bend in the cable that is about 4 inch turn radius right out of the rack. Also the cable is way too long so there is an extra turn under the back deck. I have trouble with stiff steering so I took it loose at the helm and the motor and stretched it out. Motor moved smoothly and helm. After stretching the cable out and attaching the helm to it the motor turned easily and the cable was not stiff while stretched out.

Here is my questions: Is it possible to replace the rack and pinion with a new rotary steering system with the right length cable? If so won't that give me a better turn radius under my console for the cable? Or... does the rotary system require more room?

Thanks...
JL

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Steering Conversion???

Haven't looked at my rack lately, but as I recall, the rack is just that and has to have length to function. The rotary on the other hand is round and curves around itself, have had them too years ago. Any bends that you can remove from the cable improves performance as you determined.

Contact Teleflex and ask them. They are very service oriented company....were for me anyway.

Mark

 

[JLMiok]

Re: Steering Conversion???

Thanks. What about the physical space required for the rotary helm? I assume it is less length ways and more in diameter? What about the mount of the helm itself will it come close enough to the size of the one I have now to do the conversion?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Steering Conversion???

You're correct with the size comparison. The helm should be pretty much the same.

 

[JLMiok]

Re: Steering Conversion???

Thanks for the help I have contacted Teleflex to see what options they offer.

Jerry

 

[cr2k]

Re: Steering Conversion???

The excess cable (when turned) has to exit the helm on the same side as the main cable, but it is easier to make it curve to clear whatever is needed because it doesn't have the outer housing on it. Since the rotary unit is smaller (and further away from the side) it does work better in a smaller space.

 

[JLMiok]

Re: Steering Conversion???

Great, Thanks!