Outboard steering

[lundboat]

Hello everyone!<br /><br />I have a 14ft aluminum boat that I am restoring. By the end of this project I plan to have a 15hp outboard on it. I also want to add a steering wheel and throttle to the boat so that its not just a tiller. <br /><br />Does anyone know of any good ways to do this? Does this also affect what kind of outboard I'll have to buy? I assume I'll need to buy one that has remote throttle control capability. <br /><br />Any help will be greatly appreciated.<br /><br />Thanks.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Outboard steering

Well, if you're looking for an older outboard, I'd suggest sticking with Johnson or Evinrude. Lots of control parts available for them, and the conversion is very easy.<br /><br />If you're going with a new outboard, then head to the dealer and compare the cost for the remote stuff and steering among the various manufacturers.

 

[lundboat]

Re: Outboard steering

Thanks CA. Right now I'm just trying to get and idea of what I'm all going to need and what it might cost. Right now my boat is set up in tiller mode, so I'll need to install everything from the steering wheel - cables - remote throttle controls, etc.<br /><br />I'm also definately looking at newer engines. Likely a 15HP 4 stroke.

 

[blacktip18]

Re: Outboard steering

Due to the smaller size of the boat have you concidered airboat style steering. A buddy of mine had a 12-14ish fiberglass hull. 35hp on back. Side mounted the throttle controls to one side wall. On the other side. Mounted a forward-backward moving handle that connected to a rod that ran along the gunale. That rod connected another rod that was fixed to the motor. Push forward boat turns left. Pull back boat turns right. It was nice because he sat in the middle of the boat and there was no console or wheel in the way. A little rednecky, but very funtional.

 

[lundboat]

Re: Outboard steering

Thanks Blacktip. I'll look into that. I like a little redneck on my boat.