Length of "Rack" on A Rack and Pinion Steering System.

[brorobin]

Could anyone that has a rack and pinion or that has access to one, give me a measurement of the the length of the "rack"? I have a custom built wooden console on my 1972 Whaler sport 13 and I need to determine if it will accommodate this type of steering system.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Don S]

Re: Length of "Rack" on A Rack and Pinion Steering System.

I don't know how you could possibly put a rack/pinion steering in a 13 foot boat. Stick with the rotary type.

 

[brorobin]

Re: Length of "Rack" on A Rack and Pinion Steering System.

I don't know how you could possibly put a rack/pinion steering in a 13 foot boat. Stick with the rotary type.

???? What do you mean.?

I have replaced the dash board which was temporary while I completed the rest of the restore. If the rack will "fit" behind the dash and under the console, I can't see why I could not put this on my 13 foot boat. I just need the accurate measurement. I've searched the web for the info and could not find it. I'll call Telflex or Uflex on Monday but I thought maybe someone here might have one htey could measure for me.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Length of "Rack" on A Rack and Pinion Steering System.

The Rack driving my Merc Alpha1 outdrive is 19 inches over all.
The steering cable turns a 10 inch radius, putting the steering wheel 19.5 inches from the inside of the Gunnel.
And the far end of the rack 29 inches from the inside of the Gunnel.
It doesn't look like the cable can turn very much tighter.

Your Welcome!

 

[emoney]

Re: Length of "Rack" on A Rack and Pinion Steering System.

The "rack" (the long bar version) on my Teleflex cable is about 19" long. I'm estimating, and if you need it precise, I can go measure the old one because it's in the "to be hauled to the dump pile". So, if you need it that close it'll need to be tomorrow during the daylight hours. By the looks of your console in the pic, I'd bet it would be tight and a "rotary style" rack system would fit a lot better. It's not just the length of the back you have to consider as the cable needs a few inches, I'd imagine to make the bend.

 

[etracer68]

Re: Length of "Rack" on A Rack and Pinion Steering System.

I have one hanging in the garage wall, that I removed from a 19ft Bayliner, and it is 19 inches long. Your welcome to it for free, also most likely to long, but I see your in GA, and Im in WI. I would use a rotary style, it takes up less room, but looks like you have the steering wheel assembly(i assume for R&P style) already.

 

[brorobin]

Re: Length of "Rack" on A Rack and Pinion Steering System.

Thanks for the replies. It seems I don't have quite enough room under the console. It would be tight, mounted at a slight angle it might fit. I think I'll wait until I can get a rotary type (a used rack and pinion was offered to me at a pretty good price).
Again thanks to all of you who responded with advice and help.

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: Length of "Rack" on A Rack and Pinion Steering System.

(a used rack and pinion was offered to me at a pretty good price).

What kind was it? They're not all the same length. I put a Teleflex NFB dual rack in my Checkmate and (I'm going from memory) I believe it was less than the 19" others have mentioned. I'm sure it was shorter than the RideGuide racks that it replaced. Scroll through the restoration thread in my signature and you can see a photo of it after it was mounted (and I did mount it at an angle to get the cable to make a cleaner run).