New steering system: Which kind do I want?

ezmobee

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 26, 2007
Messages
23,767
I'm looking to replace the old cable and pulley style steering on my boat with a new system. I see there are rack & pinion and rotary style systems. What's the difference and is one better than the other? The price seems to be about the same.

In case it helps, I have a 16' boat with a '73 Johnson 85 outboard.
 

j442w30

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jan 9, 2007
Messages
264
Re: New steering system: Which kind do I want?

If you have room under the dash I would go for a rack and pinion. I put a teleflex rack and pinion on my boat last year and I have no complaints. If you're pinched for space under the dash you might have to go with a rotary style. Just make sure you measure the length of the cable you needright, I made that mistake the first time.
 

ezmobee

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 26, 2007
Messages
23,767
Re: New steering system: Which kind do I want?

I do have plenty of room under the dash. But what is the advantage of one system over the other? Is it just the space consideration?
 

Texasmark

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 20, 2005
Messages
14,778
Re: New steering system: Which kind do I want?

I have had both rack and pinion and rotary. I know for sure that you want a Morse-Teleflex (on www) No Feedback System . What that means is that you can take your hands off the wheel while at speed and the wheel stays put, doesn't turn in one direction or the other......very very nice.

The rack and pinion may be the only one with it. Otherwise I have no preference.

Mark
 

Texasmark

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 20, 2005
Messages
14,778
Re: New steering system: Which kind do I want?

Geez don't know what happened. Tried to BOLD mark " No
Feedback System" and what you see happened.

Sorry,

Mark
 

ezmobee

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 26, 2007
Messages
23,767
Re: New steering system: Which kind do I want?

Thanks Mark. The no feedback systems are a little bit more expensive but not too much so.
 

studlymandingo

Commander
Joined
Mar 22, 2006
Messages
2,716
Re: New steering system: Which kind do I want?

I am about to install a hydraulic system on my boat if the danged turtle ever gets here with the package.
 

jinx

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Sep 25, 2003
Messages
739
Re: New steering system: Which kind do I want?

If the weather holds, I'm putting a Baystar hydraulic system in my boat tomorrow.

Hopefully I won't be plagued by sticky cable ends in the tilt tube anymore.

Jinx
 
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