Twin motor steering

[jusfloatin]

Good day to all

My intent is to run twin 35hp Big Twins, at the present time the boat (59 Thunderhawk) uses cables to control steering. As much as I would like to keep the boat somewhat era correct I feel safety concerns over rides that.

I am looking for suggestions as to which would be the best type of steering system to use and I am sure to addapt somewhat to work running twins.
There looks to be no problems mounting any type of steering systems so it comes down to the best suited to my needs.

I also could use a link or a picture that could give me some sort of an idea on how to hook the twins steering together.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: Twin motor steering

I'd recommend something like teleflex' twin cable NFB steering... it's designed for moving larger amounts of engine and not allowing "wander" when you're not trying to turn.

For engines that size you don't need hydraulic steering.

I have a friend who runs a 20 foot rib boat with twin 60s, he uses a basic cable steering setup with a stock twin engine connecting kit from (I think) Mercury.

Erik

 

[Johnny Too Bad]

Re: Twin motor steering

TMCalavy runs twin 35hp Big Twins on his early 60's model Texas Maid Impala, and could probably answer most of your questions.

I know he had considered changing his steering a while back, but I believe he opted to stick with the cable and pulley system. You will find out very quickly that it is extremely expensive to switch the steering, and as far as safety, many of the guys on these boards still use the cable and pulley system with no problems.

Tashasdaddy seems to be the resident expert on steering conversion, so I'm sure he will be along shortly to 'steer' you in the right direction.

Good luck,
JTB

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Twin motor steering

Cable/pulley steering systems are as good/safe as their components...cable, pulleys, fasteners. If your pulleys are sound and bolted/riveted to the hull and the cable is new and the right size (should fit down into pulley groove), they are real easy to maintain and safe. In case you're interested, here are some pix showing steering connector options for cable/pulley systems. First one shows how I had a Big Twin and Johnson FD-11 connected, using a box store turnbuckle with a bend, to allow me to tilt the motors when necessary. Second shows another option, made from a tie-rod I believe...shared with me by another capn who runs smaller OMC twins. Third shows my current setuup with my early 60's Texas Maid 15 foot aluminum Impala runabout. One thing to consider is stern weight if you're gonna run twins. Two Big Twins weigh in close to 250 lbs....add in a battery at 30 lbs. and then fuel and you've got too much weight astern...at least I do in this aluminum boat. Next chore is moving 9 to 15 gallons of gas forward under bowskirt and still be able to easily fuel and remove the tanks when necessary...still working on that one. Good luck with your quest to run Big Twins...they are good motors.

 

[jusfloatin]

Re: Twin motor steering

Thanks for your posts,
I am a little surprised a cable system would be still considered acceptable but when you mention all the important points I should not be surpised.
I know for sure if I go with a cable system it would be the easiest and the cheapest.

The boat is a 16' closed bow runabout which I feel will allow the placement of a big fuel tank up front but being filled via a long hose from the stern area. I was lucky to get 2 evinrude tanks which other than being a bit faded will be redone and placed where they should be but will only be cosmetic.

I also intend to hide two small batteries under the front bench seat.
Which brings up anouther question:
I will need a seperate battery for each motor will I not? (Both are electric start and factory remote)

TMcalavy I am truly impressed with both motors but I am partal to blue.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Twin motor steering

Cool boat jusfloatin. How much hp is it rated for? Reason I ask is with that low-slung splashwell, you may be stern heavy like my TM with two 35 hp Big Twins on the transom. I have mine rigged so both motors are cabled to one battery...two leads (pos, neg) off the battery to common terminals mounted on the transom and then cables to each motor. But both of my twins are rigged with a push-button start on the motor...no remote starter switch. That way the twins are self-contained electric start motors. I also like Evinrude blue, but prefer the top cowl design of the Johnson twins of the era...much easier to open the cowl and service the motor (especially afloat) than the clamshell Evinrude cowl that opens sideways.

 

[jusfloatin]

Re: Twin motor steering

Tag say's 80hp.
I believe it looks lower than it is becase of the rubber bumper strip.
I have not had it in the water or seen it in the water but from the stains I believe the bumper strip would be above the water line but again I do not know what was on it. It does have signs of having twins on it at one time.
I did get one remote starting switch, electric choke switch and chrome bezel with one of the twins. I was thinking of tracking down a second bezel to finish it off.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Twin motor steering

my concern would be taking water i thur the access hole for the controls and steering. i think they need boots. cool as heck boat.

you could use teleflex system with this transom bracket, and a link arm to the other motor. just reverse the tube in the bracket.

i love the old cable pulley system, to me it is more responsive.

 

[jusfloatin]

Re: Twin motor steering

I see no problem putting rubber boots on to fix that potential problem, as much as I would like to keep somewhat era correct. Common sence says just because it was first does not make it the best suited.
Plus if anyone does mention it they will not ride in the boat.

Tashasdaddy cables it was and cables it will be.

I thank you all. Have a great year.