rack steering source

[tbrownarcher]

I have a Triton 180 Premier I think it's a 1999. It has an older Mercury 6 cylendar 2 stroke 150 horse power XR2 motor on it. The steering is Rack and pinion steering. There are 2 cables involved in the steering assembly under the steering cowling. All of the steering that I have seen on the parts sites have one cable .

Can anyone help me with this ? What do i need one or 2 cables ... if i need 2 where do i find it .. Is there a discount place i can spend less at ??? any info would be helpful ... thanks,

Nate

 

[tschmidty]

Re: rack steering source

Two cables sounds more like a rotary dual cable setup (haven't seen a dual cable rack although it could exist). If you look at the steering helm (the part behind the dash that the steering wheel hooks up to), it should be pretty clear if it is rotary (round of course) or rack (long and skinny). Almost certain it is rotary. Try to find a manufacturer name. The other thing you can do is look at the cables themselves to find a part number.

Uh, also, why do you think you need new cables? Just curious what the underlying problem is.

 

[Stachi]

Re: rack steering source

Welcome to iBoats. You are posting on a boating forum , sponsored by a boating parts supplier,and asking who we buy our parts from ??..Just so you know, I have made several purchases from iBoats,and once had to talk with the customer service rep...they took care of the problem and were more than helpful about it and I was a satisfied boat owner.Check out the Marine store button at the top of this page

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: rack steering source

Yes twin rack and pinion are common on a bunch of fishing boats. The trick is to determine the condition of each cable since when they are replaces ..... the rack comes with the cable.

You need to separate the cables from the motor one at a time and determine which one is binding. The rack end of the unit is held on with 4 bolts...... fairly easy...... requires more time then effort

 

[NSBCraig]

Re: rack steering source

Look on Scream and fly.com's classified section. There is a guy that goes by Wildman who is a Checkmate dealer who has dual cable rack systems that he took out of brand new boats and upgraded them to hydraulic.

 

[Bass Buster One]

Re: rack steering source

Nate, I too have an older Bass Boat with the same power package and Dual Rack & Pinion steering, 2 cables. I bought this rig knowing that it had a steering issue and that one cable had been damaged at some time back. On test drive, boat steering was very stiff to say the least, but still navigatable (if that's a word). However, I wanted to replace the cables. Cables were mfg'd by Morse. After some research, found that Morse sold out to Tele-Flex, which makes much better cables than Morse. I had the job done (was expensive) and now can turn the motor full travel both sides with one finger. If you have the know how and the place to do it, save some money and do it your self. I found the Morse # on the old cables and saw on the Tele-Flex site where you could cross reference. Good luck.

 

[buddyk]

Re: rack steering source

Many steering companys make a double steering set. It can be set both from the same side for safety or one down both sides to oppose each other to remove slack.
If you do not an excessive hp or a race boat one cable is enough. If your boat exceeds 55 mph it is safer in case one fails.