Different steering systems or???

[joetheis]

My present boat, steers, but that being said........
I've been looking @ to build the "perfect fishing boat".
With the question of steering.......
Are ALL or MOST cables the same or is there brand specific?
If I go back decades, will they be the same?
IF I find a hull and it has a steering wheel and nothing, do I have to get model # off the wheel and gear box assy, to get a cable?
If it was powered by a Yami for an example and I find a 'Rude outboard, will the existing cable work?
Now this is just with a cable, not a powering steering unit.
Joe
Curious minds need to know

 

[Scott Danforth]

if you have cable and pulley, no, not brand specific. however most people have long since swiched to either the rotary or rack and pinion.

Yamaha's never were steered that I know of with a cable. new motors are usually steered with the rack and pinon. you may have to fabricate stuff to connect the newer motors however sure it could be done.

 

[joetheis]

Thanks!
I know I can figure out a cable and pulley system.
But what about the rack and pinion steering systems?
Is there 1 rack system or many brands that the parts won't interchange?
I'd hate to pull the trigger on a boat, get all involved and find out I gotta spend LOTS of $$ to replace ALL the steering system cuz the rack or ?? is a odd brand, (as I dive deeper into boating, I see a lot of trial and error by manufacturers!
Joe

 

[Scott Danforth]

most are Seastar Systems (formerly Teleflex Marine, and prior to that Teleflex-Morse).

there are two types of mechanical Rack-n-Pinion and Rotary

http://www.seastarsolutions.com/products/mechanical-steering/hps-rack-pinion-steering/

http://www.seastarsolutions.com/products/mechanical-steering/

There is also hydraulic http://www.seastarsolutions.com/products/hydraulic-new/outboard-new/baystar/

all of these are available thru iBoats http://www.iboats.com/Boat-Steering...5881382--session_id.504910729--view_id.217122 and other retailers.

each of these generic systems has various types or systems tailored to be perfect for a specific type of craft.

I recommend a NFB or No Feedback System in either rack-n-pinion or rotary. (depends on your helm)

The systems are actually cheap when you think of everything that comes in the box.

Heck, even my 1970 Wooster Hellion had Teleflex rack and pinion in it

 

[joetheis]

Tanks!

The "Boat Sale Season" is starting to ramp up, so, I can continue my search!
I just don't want to end up finding a good working hull, a donor drive system and end up getting a pile of steering pieces that won't match up!
Joe

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... In the grand scheme of things, a complete helm 'n cable Kit is quite cheap,....

If ya buy a boat that needs a new cable, buy the Kit, as the helm is probably worn out anyways,.....

 

[joetheis]

Rodger!
Thanks!
Joe

 

[GA_Boater]

Forgive this reply if the answer to one of your questions was already answered.

The one common thing about steering cables is the motor end, which is universal. Steering cables fit through a tilt tube in the outboard clamp and swivel and the size of the tube is the same for Merc. Honda, J/E - All of them. So as long as you have a good steering system or upgrade a rack and pinion or rotary helm, you can swap motors and steer all day long.

Not talking about cable and pulley,