Transom mount steering tube, will this be ok?

[Superhondaz50]

I am working on installing steering in my boat, 14' 1958 Texas Maid Falcon. The engine going in didn't have a steering tube, so I bought the transom mount style. Being it is a small boat, there isn't much room, I had to mount the tube at an angle, and through the existing hole for cables and whatnot. When turning, the cables moves forward and back a bit from the tube articulating on the ball and socket. Will this be a problem?

Thanks

 

[Chris1956]

I think that mounting will give you issues. All you need is a rod on the steering arm that projects a bit downward a couple of inches. That would allow you to mount the tube parallel to the top of the transom.

It is common to have a rod between the steering cable and the steering arm of the motor. This gives the vertical clearance, as the tilt tube on more modern OBs is still below the steering arm. I would recommend you check out the steering on most any boat and see what that rod looks like.

 

[Chris1956]

Alternatively, get a long bolt that fits the steering arm. using some nuts, fasten the steering cable a few inches below the steering arm, so the tube is parallel to the transom.

 

[Superhondaz50]

Gonna try a longer bolt. I'm concerned I won't be able to tilt the outboard up though with the extension in place without hitting the transom.

 

[Chris1956]

Obviously the bolt cannot protrude below the steering cable, or it will hit the transom.

Are you against getting the arm from the motor to the steering cable? You may not have the correct range of steering without it.

 

[Superhondaz50]

Obviously the bolt cannot protrude below the steering cable, or it will hit the transom.

Are you against getting the arm from the motor to the steering cable? You may not have the correct range of steering without it.

No, not against getting an arm at all, just not sure if I would be able to tilt the outboard with it in.