steering wheel replacement

[swimmin' for shore]

HI. I'm still on my restoration project, working hard each afternoon and evening. It's a 68 Mark Twain runabout, 16 ft. long with a 160 hp I/O mercruiser engine. I need to figure out how to post some pics and I'll do so. We have the floor down, epoxied and glassed to the hulls. The seat bases are cut. I just got the new sidewalls cut and in place. We're doing a lot(A LOT) of sanding now, but I'm starting to put the dash together the way I wanted it in the first place. I came to the steering wheel, and it's shot. Furthermore, the coupler behind the wheel itself is missing. Does anyone know where you can acquire parts for these boats, aside from ebay? I know there are lots of steering components out there, but is it unusual that I have a 3-bolt pattern vice the 5 bolt pattern that seems more common? Can I replace the steering system with any steering system, or do I have to go with something specific? Any help that anyone can provide would be fantastic. Thanks.-James

 

[DJ]

Re: steering wheel replacement

As steering is one of the most important safety related items, on a boat. You do not want to scrimp here.<br /><br />Many choices here:<br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/mall/index.cg...ord&keywords=steering&submit.x=41&submit.y=12

 

[Mark42]

Re: steering wheel replacement

James,<br /><br />You'll need a web host to hold the pictures you want to display here. All pictures you see posted here actually reside somewhere else with a link to them. <br /><br />I use photobucket.com to store my pictures (even my avatar to the left). Its free, easy to use, and serves the purpose. There are others too, you might want to check around.<br /><br />To post a picture, select the 'full reply' tab, then click on the buttons for what you want to do. Paste in the url of the image into the window and thats it.<br /><br />Regarding the steering, DJ's link gives you the most popular choices. I suggest the basic rack system if you have the space for it, otherwise, the rotary quick connect system is very good too. Unless you have a big motor like 120hp +, you won't need the No Feed Back systems.<br /><br />In addition to the steering system, you will need one of these:<br />http://www.iboats.com/mall/index.cgi?*******=967519920&**********=452206726&search_type=keyword&keywords=wheel&search_in_category=f&current_category=steering&submit.x=41&submit.y=1 0