Drum cable steering conversion

[jvanhees]

I am looking at purchasing a 70's evinrude 40hp outboard for my project....but the steering system is the drum cable type system. I would like to get rid of that and move to the cable/teleflex type system.

What parts do I need to look for, in a used teleflex system?

Do I need to pick up as little as this? Teleflex Steering Helm with 14' Cable | eBay

It seems I would need something that hooks to the motor. I would rather not buy a new teleflex system if possible. Thanks for any and all help. I am still researching the forums as well.

 

[jvanhees]

Re: Drum cable steering conversion

Or....after looking at what these cost a little more....maybe I need to keep looking for another motor. How much $$ can you normally find this used system, all parts I need, for?

 

[Watermann]

Re: Drum cable steering conversion

Find an glass donor with a good motor and all the steering would be the easiest way for sure then you would know it's all good to go working with each other. Plus you get to put an old rot bucket glasser out of it's field boat misery.

 

[jvanhees]

Re: Drum cable steering conversion

Actually that is what I am doing. The boat is being scrapped by the owner for me as soon as I tear everything I want off of it for cheap. Getting some seats and a tach as well. Steering is the drum system tho. Hence why I'm wondering what parts I will need.

 

[Watermann]

Re: Drum cable steering conversion

Take what ever he's willing to give up! Is the motor included as well so you'll have the steering linkage and tilt tube parts?

 

[F_R]

Re: Drum cable steering conversion

In addition to the helm and cable, you would need a transom mount support tube for the aft end of the cable, and an attachment to connect it to the motor.

Gotta tell you this though. While it is possible to make it work, you won't like it. It is nearly impossible to get it to steer full arc and not interfere somewhere when tilting the motor. Give me the drum type steering any day on an old motor that doesn't have a built-in tilt tube. There is not a thing wrong with drum/cable/pulleys steering if installed correctly.

 

[jvanhees]

Re: Drum cable steering conversion

Water this motor is the motor/glasser I speak of in the first post.

 

[jvanhees]

Re: Drum cable steering conversion

In addition to the helm and cable, you would need a transom mount support tube for the aft end of the cable, and an attachment to connect it to the motor.

Gotta tell you this though. While it is possible to make it work, you won't like it. It is nearly impossible to get it to steer full arc and not interfere somewhere when tilting the motor. Give me the drum type steering any day on an old motor that doesn't have a built-in tilt tube. There is not a thing wrong with drum/cable/pulleys steering if installed correctly.

So you are saying it's not an easy fix to convert? Even if I find used parts? That's basically what I need to know.

Thanks guys

 

[F_R]

Re: Drum cable steering conversion

I'm not saying it is difficult, I'm just saying it will work but not well.

 

[boobie]

Re: Drum cable steering conversion

That motor wasn't designed for through the tilt tube steering. As F_R said the rope and pulley is the best for it.

 

[Fed]

Re: Drum cable steering conversion

I had a boat with a transom mount like F_R mentioned, it clamped around the outer 'ram' and had a ball & socket to allow for tilting. The inner ram bolted straight to the tiller with another ball & socket.
Check it out at teleflex to find out what you're looking for but I think it would be hard to find all the right set up secondhand.

 

[jvanhees]

Re: Drum cable steering conversion

Ok guys thanks for the input. I think Im going to elect to pass then, and wait for the right setup....right setup being the outboard, controls, and steering (non drum) to all come from the same rig...so I know they work good together.

Sorry guys, Im still learning!

 

[boobie]

Re: Drum cable steering conversion

No problem what so ever. If you don't ask, you'll never know.