Steering controls on a 63 Starcraft

[madtank]

I recently bought a 14' 1963 Starcraft Marlin Aluminum boat and trailer, the boat needs a new floor and paint (painting already done) and an engine(trailer is in great shape). So far all has only cost me one hundred dollars. This is my first restoration project and hopefully not the last. The question I have is the whole steering control thing. There are six diffrent pulleys with wire running through them that go to the back of the boat. They are hooked to some springs and end there. I have posted on another website about this but did'nt get much of a reply and I am still confused on what to do. First I don't know what parts I need or where to get them. Second would it be worth me fixing the old controls or taking them out and putting in a newer system. You can view my pics at http://community.webshots.com/user/madtank65. Thank you!

 

[Laddies]

Re: Steering controls on a 63 Starcraft

I would put in a new system the older pulley systems gave more then there share of problems

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Steering controls on a 63 Starcraft

Madtank, Your pictures didn't work.<br /><br />The new systems are better than the cable system, but cost about $150 for the entry-level, which is adequate for you. Since you boat is likely low HP (less than 75HP) a cable system will work OK. There should be six pulleys (two in the splash well corners, two under the dashboard in the corners, two at the motor connector), a steering wheel and drum, two anchor points for the cable in the splashwell, and one or two springs at thw motor connector. The cable runs from one of the anchor points through the motor connector thru the splashwell pulley through the dashboard pulley to the drum, wraps aroung the drum and returns to the motor via the same route on the other side of the boat. Usually plastic-coated cable is used, but it is not mandatory. The cable can be had at Home Depot or any hardware store.<br /><br />Simply run the cable as I described and pull it tight until the springs start to compress and anchor it. When the motor is tilted, the springs will give enough to allow it.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Steering controls on a 63 Starcraft

Mad, Just one more thing, You need to loop the cable aroung the drum about four turns on the top part and four turns on the botttom part of the drum. You have a 50-50 chance of wrapping in the correct direction. if you do it backwards, the boat will steer the opposite of how it should. Simply switch the direction of the wraps, to correct it.