Where to find steering components?

[JakeCo88]

I have decided to install a drum and cable steering system on my boat (I'm starting completely from scratch, basically all I have is a hull, the previous owner cut out the entire bow). My problem is I am having a hard time finding the parts I need online, particularly the steering shaft and drum. Also, I am concerned about getting a wheel and shaft separately and the two not fitting together properly. Is there a standard size I should look for? Any ideas of where to look? Thanks.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Where to find steering components?

Is there a reason you are going with the old antiquated steering? If you already had it and wanted to keep it that would be one thing, but to purposely go and and buy it doesn't make a lot of sense unless you just want to keep the boat 100% original. Either way, your best bet to find your components will be ebay searching for "Vintage Boat Steering". I found this...

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw...teering&_osacat=0&_trksid=p3286.c0.m270.l1313

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Where to find steering components?

Hi Jake. Here's a great link where you can get all of the hardware you need.

http://www.duckworksbbs.com/hardware/steering/01/index.htm

http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/03/columns/max/05/part2.htm

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=281025&highlight=drum+steering

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Where to find steering components?

KFA,

I don't think Duckworksbbs sells the shafts and sheaves and dash collars. I am not aware of any MFG's today that are still making/selling them. As I said, Ebay is the best source for them. Cables, Springs, Pulleys etc... can still be found but the Shafts and Sheaves....Not so much!!!!

 

[JakeCo88]

Re: Where to find steering components?

Thanks for the help gentlemen.

Wood: The only reason I'm going with a cable/pulley system is my love for primitive mechanical stuff, I thought it would be a good experience to layout and fabricate a whole system as opposed to installing a more modern setup. I also speculate in will be more cost efficient. I had seen the one on ebay you linked to and I'm watching to see what it sells for. My only concerns were it looked a little big (hard to tell size in the picture), and I don't know how difficult it will be to find a steering wheel to fit it.

I'd also checked duckworks and didn't find any of the shafts, though I did find the other hardware AND some fairly informative articles.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Where to find steering components?

I converted my last boat from a cable/pulley system and it was a great upgrade. I was tired of having to tighten up the old system and all the rattling. A new complete single cable rotary system can be had for not much over $100.

 

[andgott]

Re: Where to find steering components?

There is a reason you can't find the components... They aren't really made any more, since there is no reason TO make them! The modern systems are much easier and safer. If you want a cable/pulley system, you'll have to find used parts. But, It's going to be cheaper and safer in the long run to just use a modern rack and pinion or rotary system. I did it on my Glasspar, and I am glad that I did.

My Current project WILL retain it's original cable and pulley system, But that's because everything else on the boat is original to 1959, and it's being done as a 'period correct' restoration. Short of that, there is NO way I'd use that type of system

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Where to find steering components?

Perhaps, but lots of boats still use cable and pulley systems of one sort or another. Check out some of the helms in the big fancy sailboats in the marina next time. Race boats still use them. Stunt planes use them. If installed correctly, and used properly they can be used safely. I don't think Jake is going to be setting out to break any speed records. I also like simple, mechanical, DIY solutions, but I find too many folks here seem to prefer the "go to the store and just buy the gizmo" approach (no offense intended). It's not wrong of course, but I find it rather boring, unimaginative, uninspired and also I'm poor. People somehow manged to survive in a time before teleflex and rotary steering systems, shocking to some I'm sure, and yet I seem to remember reading about a couple folks who manged to get around in a few low-tech boats over the years; Magellan, Columbus, the Polynesians, the Phoenicians, the British, the Greeks, the Romans, the Vikings, Zheng Hu, the US Navy, etc......, but I could be wrong. Here's a vid of a guy after my own heart. He has a homemade, cable and pulley-stick steer set up. Granted, it's rough around the edges, but the concept is sound, it works, cost him practically nothing and he made it himself. Best of all, if anything breaks he can it plainly and either repair it on the water, or swing down to Lowes/HD to fix it for relatively cheap. You'll even see similar set ups in small sailboats a lot too. Herewith, hope it serves.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGPHabipJlY

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Where to find steering components?

Wow, sorry I offered my personal experience on the subject. Sheesh!

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Where to find steering components?

Again, If you can find a MFG that still makes em, that is advertising them on the "NET", I'd love to have the link. Most of the "Rope n' Pulley systems you are refering to are custom made by the builder and not mass produced. There's a reason for that. I only kept mine because I wanted her to be as close to 100% original as possible. But if she "Bangs and Clatters" and becomes a maintenance issue like EZ describes, it will be getting changed over.