[Search for users] [Overall Top Noters] [List of all Conferences] [Download this site]

Conference vicki::boats

Title:Powerboats
Notice:Introductions 2 /Classifieds 3 / '97 Ski Season 1267
Moderator:KWLITY::SUTER
Created:Thu May 12 1988
Last Modified:Wed Jun 04 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:1275
Total number of notes:18109

812.0. "Converting steering from old cables to Teleflex" by SSGV02::PARNELL () Mon Mar 18 1991 10:15

    I have a 1971 Starcraft 15' runabout that is in excellent condition
    and was repowered last summer with a 1986 Johnson engine.  The boat
    still has the cable steering system.
    
    I would like to update the boat with a Teleflex push-pull system
    that I saw in the E&B Marine catalog for approx $125 (without
    the steering wheel).    
    
    My Questions:
    
    - Is this difficult to do?
    
    - Is there anything that I should know about before I start
      this conversion ?
    
    
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
DateLines
812.1The swap is worthwhileGOLF::WILSONMon Mar 18 1991 10:4721
>>    - Is this difficult to do?

No.  With a little planning and patience you should have no problems.
    
>>    - Is there anything that I should know about before I start
      this conversion ?
    
 Yes.  To do a factory type installation the Teleflex system requires 
a "tilt tube" in the motor. It is a hollow tube that is used in the hinge
between the motor and the transom bracket, and the end of the steering
cable passes through it.  You also need a steering arm which connects
from the end of the cable to a bracket on the front of the motor.  Most 
larger late model OMC motors come with the tilt tube in place, and the 
steering arm is available from any of the mail order catalogs.

If your motor is not equipped with a tilt tube, you can get a "universal"
installation kit which includes a bracket to mount to the transom of the 
boat.  I believe the kit is around $65 through the catalogs.

Rick
812.2do it.HYEND::J_BORZUMATOMon Mar 18 1991 11:318
    
    Rick pretty well summed it up.
    
    The conversion is a very worthwhile idea. The old cable steering
    set-ups don't steer well, and they can be dangerous, ususally
    the hardware gives up, and when it does, YOU'll KNOW IT.
    
    JIm.
812.3Smart move!MR4DEC::DCADMUSMon Mar 18 1991 15:0141
    
    Having had the cable steering let go on an 85 hp motor, my advice is
    replace it now. Don't scrimp- some of teleflex stuff is available in
    two different materials- get the aluminum or S.S.
    
      The best prices/services are from Boat U/S. you have to join ($17)
    the association, but I have found this to be money well spent, based on
    the service. They are one of the few cactalog places that knows waht
    they are taliking about- they have knowledgable staff.
    
    You can acll their product info dept 1-813-573-1114 tehy tell you
    everything you need and give you a quote. They also gaurantee the
    lowest prices. They have a store in  Waltham (I just came back from
    there) and got "one stop shopping" except for a couple of out of stck
    items (vs going to Bliss Marine and finding I have gotten only half
    of what I needed). ON phen in orders I usually get two day service-
    often one day if I call first thing in the morning.
    
     If your OMC motor is nwer than 1985, you will need:
    
    Sttering Helm (steering Box)
    Connection kit for your motor
    Steering Cable
    Link arm from OMC that connects cable end to motor
    
     My current boat has cbale sttering - MUCH easier steering, less play, and I
    don't have to spend a couple of hours with the engine at fast idle and
    steering the boat by embracing the motor and looking over my shoulder.
    
     Shop around for your steering- the boating Industry is slower than
    molasses  right now and lots of dealers/shops will talk.
    
    Good luck
    
     Dick