giving up....

[matfalk]

I've been fighting with my boats steering system for a week now, and I'm calling it quits. I guess my inexperience is just too much. Does anyone know a reputable boat mechanic around the Anderson, IN area? I would rather pay someone to replace my steering system than deal with the stress of trying to do it myself now. Thanks for all you that tried to help me get the helm off and everything.

 

[5150abf]

Re: giving up....

Try the yellow pages, graigs list first then look for a dealer if you can't find anyone in your area.

Skimmed your post and it probably isn't your fault you cna't get it, sometimes things just get stuck together, if you bent a gear puller I think it isn't going to come off.

Don't let this discourage you from trying to do things yourself just because it didn't work out this time

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: giving up....

Heat. Lots of heat (well, until stuff starts melting.....)

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: giving up....

Don't give up just yet. Give it one more try. There is always a way.

The secret is to put the hub under tension (ie use the gear puller and get it tight) then give the shaft a "firm" rap with a hammer. Relying on just the puller will be futile as you have discovered.

What type of puller did you buy?

 

[Knot Waiting]

Re: giving up....

Sometimes it helps to back off the project for a lil bit and collect your thoughts. Its easy to get beat down and let your frustration prevent you from seeing unique solutions.

I just fought the most stubborn CV axle I have ever encountered and won. Had to stop, cool off, re-think my approach and get back at er'... but I won, had to modify some tools to do it, but I hadnt been thinking that way before. Saved a trip to a mechanic and restored some of the pride I had lost in the process.

Try again. Paying to have it done is a last resort in my opinion.

 

[matfalk]

Re: giving up....

I used just a small gear puller that I bought at an auto parts store that was small and looked suited to the job. I really think that I undertook too much as this is my first "real" boat that has had complex components. I owned a 12 foot plastic bass boat before with a 3 horse johnson, but this is the first boat that I have owned that had an actual steering system, electrical system, pumps and everything else. A lot of times I find myself getting over confident on projects based on what I read online. This is one of those things. I think going to a certified mechanic is my best choice in the best interest of me and my boat.

 

[JCMINIS]

Re: giving up....

You tried ! Its takes a big man to admit hes been beat. I had to do the same last year.My local fishing shop new some good boat repair folks try that. In the future I will try everything myself and after 2-3 tries if I cant get, I will take it in.

I know when I have been beat !!

JC

 

[ebry710]

Re: giving up....

I used just a small gear puller that I bought at an auto parts store that was small and looked suited to the job. I really think that I undertook too much as this is my first "real" boat that has had complex components. I owned a 12 foot plastic bass boat before with a 3 horse johnson, but this is the first boat that I have owned that had an actual steering system, electrical system, pumps and everything else. A lot of times I find myself getting over confident on projects based on what I read online. This is one of those things. I think going to a certified mechanic is my best choice in the best interest of me and my boat.

Talk to a few mechanics first. Ask for advice. See if they make sense. Then tell them they are hired.

On another note. If you do a project like this again, take pics and post them here. Let people comment on what you are doing. Sometimes it just a simple thing that you are doing wrong.