Rack and pinion or rotery?

[rlb9844]

I just bought a 1978 17' Glastron with an Evinrude 150 O/B on it. (Boat is only rated for a 125) The steering cable is shot and has to be replaced. It has rack and pinion steering on it but I was told by the local boat shop that I needed to go back with a rotery steering system. Removal and installation of a new cable is not an issue due to it is very accessable. My question is, do I really need to go with a rotery system? Which system will give the best performance with this many horses. It is a ski boat so pretty much all I will be doing is crusing or pulling someone. If the rack and pinion system is the way to go, how do I find out which cable to buy? I know it is a 15' Morse cable but the numbers on the cable are beyond chewed up? Any help will be great.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Rack and pinion or rotery?

I prefer the rotary steering.It just feels smoother to me.
Since you are considering upgrading anyway look into the no feedback systems.
The larger HP motors can get hard to steer and you can feel the torque steer affect in a single cable rack system.

By the way,WELCOME ABOARD RLB!!

 

[5150abf]

Re: Rack and pinion or rotery?

The rotary no feed back is the one you want, they are way better, more durable and just a better feel.

I have run both and the rotary is hands down the better one.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Rack and pinion or rotery?

Rotary nofeedback.

 

[stubbsboogie]

Re: Rack and pinion or rotery?

I am not sure which one you need for your application, rotary or rack. I know many people prefer the Rotary. But what I do know is the Nofeedback is the way to go. I put a NFB rack on my old Glastron and that system is great. It was a huge improvement over the old rack system.

Good luck

 

[rlb9844]

Re: Rack and pinion or rotery?

Ok, sounds like a rotery NFB system is what I want. New question is do I get one with 4.2 turns or 3.0 turns lock to lock? I know 4.2 has more mechanical advantage therefor easier to turn, and the 3.0 gives quiker response but I'm new to boating bigger that a john boat so I welcome any advice.

 

[rlb9844]

Re: Rack and pinion or rotery?

All it took was a little reading. The 3.0 turn is for V4 and down motors. I have a V6 so I need the 4.2. Thanks for everyones help.