Can a rotary style steering be changed over to rack and pinion?

[Razgriz81]

I just bought a 1978 era 17 foot boat and it has the rotary style steering on it. But the steering is backwards which the previous owner told me and he just dealt with it. Looking at the set up, it looks like you can't change the way the cable goes. I was wondering if it was possible to change it over to a rack and pinion so that I can get it to steer right? The boat has a 1978 Mercury 1150 outboard on her.

 

[GA_Boater]

The rotary isn't installed correctly. Some boat owners should be locked up. A rack and pinion system won't fix the issue unless it is installed properly.

Need two pictures - One of the rotary helm behind the dash and one of the transom where the steering connects,

 

[Razgriz81]

Yeah.... I agree. I hope these photos work. If I can get it to steer correctly, then yeah I'd like to keep the current set up. But if I have to change it to get it steer correctly then, I'd more then happily do it.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Swap the cable around to the other side of the rotary helm

 

[GA_Boater]

OK - This simple. The cable is inserted in the wrong hole. It should be in the lower hole and the upper is the exit. You are also missing what they call the Spent Travel Tube on the exit hole to protect the cable end and stop grease spots and drips.

Here is a link to Teleflex installation instructions, look on page three for a drawing - https://www.seastarsolutions.com/wp...feT-QC-Rotary-Helm-SH5094-Rev.3-IS-SH5094.pdf

It looks like the steering has been there a while, but if you can, check with the seller to see if he has the Spent Travel Tube and the pin. Maybe the pieces are in the boat somewhere. I blew up the pic of the helm and circled the words "INSERT CABLE HERE" for the lower hole. The left side circle is the exit with the exposed greasy cable.

 

[Razgriz81]

Ok cool thanks, and yeah the previous owner dosen't have the pieces. I'll see if they are in the boat. And I'm assuming that I can take the cable out and move the cable to the lower position?

 

[GA_Boater]

That should do it, Raz. Look at the instructions from post #5. We'll be here if you have more questions.

 

[Razgriz81]

Definitely will do, I really do appreciate the replies and the help.