Which Steering System to Choose??

[johnrmclean]

I have an 83 17' Sea Nymph with a 50HP Mariner on it. The rack and pinion steering is toasted on it and parts no longer available so I need to replace it. It was recommended I go to a rotary helm unit such as the Teleflex NFB 147 series . The rack had a 4 to 1 turn ratio, the 147 4.2 - 1 . Now I'm wondering if that unit is overkill for my 50 hp and a NFB SafeT 11 is adequate? It has a 3 -1 ratio ratio.
Can anyone offer some advice?
Thanks

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: Which Steering System to Choose??

NFB would be overkill on a 50 HP engine, excess steering torque just isn't going to be an issue with that amount of power. I have a standard rotary helm on a 15 ft fisn-n-ski with 90 HP engine, it works just fine. I do have a Teleflex NFB dual cable rack system on my Checkmate and it's a nice system, but for your boat save your money and go with a standard system. As far as changing from a rack system to rotary I think the biggest thing to consider is how it's going to fit into the existing space. Other than that either one should work just fine.