Steering issue - not quite the same as others

[GAC112]

I have a 1998 21'Bayliner Rendezvous (deck boat) with a 175HP Mercury OB. It has rack and pinion - definite feedback. The steering is very hard and sticks a lot. Reading other posts on this forum it looks as if all I need to do is replace the steering cable with a no-feedback unit which would be around 400.00.
The guy at the Marina tells me I need that but "just the cable won't do it" and it will be around 1500.00 for parts. I am not sure what he is thinking about changing out but it seems more than anyone says on any of the topics here.

Does this sound right?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Steering issue - not quite the same as others

Well do it your self and save about a TON of money. An excellent NFB (No feed back) Teleflex system is allot less then $500 and some systems under 200.

You can go with rack and pinion or rotary.......there are even Tilt Wheel options. Steering for an outboard is easy. For $1500 you could even instal an hydraulic stytem

Take a look at what's available - installations are easy. Boat Steering Systems - iboats

Here is an example of a steering install http://forums.iboats.com/engine-fre...acement-73-starcraft-mariner-21-a-554635.html

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: Steering issue - not quite the same as others

The guy at the Marina tells me ..... it will be around 1500.00 for parts.

Does this sound right?

WOW . Somebody's planning on making a healthy profit at your expense :facepalm: .

I'd think the single cable NFB system would work great for a deck boat. You just need to figure out what length cable you need (Teleflex has good instructions for that on their website as I recall).

The only other possible issue would be whether or not your existing steering wheel will fit the new helm.

 

[GAC112]

Re: Steering issue - not quite the same as others

Thanks for the responses. The Marina guy is definitely talking about a hydraulic system. He showed me the model in his catalog. I assume it will make steering easier but is it $1500.00 easier? Right now the steering is like a Mac Truck with no power assist.

 

[samm835]

Re: Steering issue - not quite the same as others

I was having a very tough time turning my wheel as well. I have an I/O alpha one though....but they are somewhat similiar. I priced everything out for mine and was going to do it myself and my total cost was 150.00 for the cable and kit system (rack pinion). My boat is 21ft(can't remember cable length), but prior to spending the money I thought I would do the basics. These lines are made so youre not able to grease, the only part you can grease is the end that is attached to your outdrive. I pulled it apart, greased all the rams/and canal that holds it with marine grease, put back together and it works about 75% better than before. If you "youtube" it you will find many video's of how to do it yourself.....I am by no means a mechanic, but the mechanic at local shop gave me some good pointers to do it. Prior to spending that kind of money, I would do more research online and if your going to have someone do it......get another quote. Sounds extremly high priced.