Replacing steering in a 97 Stratos

[zreon]

I have a 97 stratos that I restored last year. Everything seems to be running great, however, the steering is really stiff and has a bit of play at the wheel. I crawled under and saw the teleflex ssc12412 cable and was going to order a replacement, but I was wondering if I should look at replacing the helm as well?

If so, would one of the new NFB systems like SS15112 work out?

 

[Chris1956]

It is difficult to buy just a replacement cable these days. Likely the liability. The good news is that the entire package (helm+ cable) is just a few $ more than a replacement cable. So you may not have a choice to replace just the cable, solving your dilemma.

As for the NFB systems. They do not eliminate the torque from the motor. They simply lock the helm into place, when you stop turning. So if the boat is pulling right, you will still need to fight that torque to turn left, with a NFB system. However, if you release the steering wheel, the wheel will stay where you adjusted it.

You still need to eliminate the torque, for the steering to be comfortable.

So on a boat that pulls a little bit right when trimmed down, and neutral or a bit left when trimmed up, I recommend the NFB system. if she pulls hard in either direction, I recommend you fix the torque first.

 

[zreon]

It is difficult to buy just a replacement cable these days. Likely the liability. The good news is that the entire package (helm+ cable) is just a few $ more than a replacement cable. So you may not have a choice to replace just the cable, solving your dilemma.

As for the NFB systems. They do not eliminate the torque from the motor. They simply lock the helm into place, when you stop turning. So if the boat is pulling right, you will still need to fight that torque to turn left, with a NFB system. However, if you release the steering wheel, the wheel will stay where you adjusted it.

You still need to eliminate the torque, for the steering to be comfortable.

So on a boat that pulls a little bit right when trimmed down, and neutral or a bit left when trimmed up, I recommend the NFB system. if she pulls hard in either direction, I recommend you fix the torque first.

There doesn't seem to be an issue finding just the cable. In fact for my current set up, I can ONLY find the cable, not the complete set up. The cable is about $150 and the newer set up including the helm is about $240. I am fine with purchasing the entire kit, I am just not sure if it will fit my old set up.

I inherited this boat last year, so I am not sure if the torque steer was an issue since it was tight since I have owned it. As it is right now, if I let go of the steering, it stays. It is a 17ft with a 115 evinrude.

Here is the cable that is currently in there MOD EDIT - iBoats sells parts.

This is what I am wondering if I can swap in MOD EDIT - iBoats sells parts.

In the description of the new setup it says "New Back Mount design means easy installation; helm & cable are installed as a unit from behind dash and replace standard Teleflex rack steering with out dash modifications." I am not sure this applies to an older system though.

 

[Chris1956]

I replaced the entire rotary steering system in my '98 Seaswirl a couple of years ago. There were no dashboard mods needed.

The original equipment in my Seaswirl was a rotary NFB system. I replaced it with a standard rotary steering system, which is a minor inconvenience, as the motor pulls a bit to the right when trimmed down.

If you want to replace just your cable, you will need to see if yours has the screw-in feature of the cable you provided the link for.

 

[Fed]

Probably be worth the time to find out why it's tight before spending any money on it.