Drum style steering pulley question

[61mysteryboat]

I have an old fiberglass StarCraft with drum style steering. The pulleys are bolted through the hull. I am in the process of a total rebuild. Is there a way I can glass in a block of wood and screw into it. I would like to get rid of any excess holes through the hull. I just don't know if it would be strong enough due to the amount of torque on them.

 

[Scott Danforth]

change the steering and helm over to a rack and pinion

 

[gm280]

I too would forgo the old antiquate drum type setup and install a nice new steering setup and forget all the holes. pulleys and such. JMHO!

 

[61mysteryboat]

Thanks, your input just justified another purchase for the boat. Always looking for an excuse.

 

[GA_Boater]

If you do decide to to keep the cable//drum/pulley system, which works fine by the way, don't change the way the pulleys are mounted. Keep the through hull mounts as original. Steering is not something to get inventive about.

Changing to rack and pinion or rotary will be determined by how much room you have behind the dash. Some boats don't have the room for a long rack.