What helm steering systems are you running? (20' Seafari)

[JUST JOHN]

Hey Zachary, thank you for the feedback! Miraculously, this evening I was able to pass the nut of the new cable through the existing hole with some not-so-gentle persuasion. I'm very surprised I didn't have to loosen the engine, or elongate the hole with that pictured misalignment. Sore arms, but tickled pink!!! Second night at it, but job is 95% done now. Engine side is all cleaned, greased and reassembled. New helm and wheel is (re)installed, just need to finish routing cable and feed/align wheel. Stoked it somehow worked out "easily".

[erebus]

[Beaver]

Is it just me or is boat work almost never easy?

Glad you got it out.

[wattaway2]

Boat work easy. Not from what I’ve seen !!!

[erebus]

Golden Rule of boat work:
"You can see it, or you can touch it, but not both at the same time".

[JUST JOHN]

Is it just me or is boat work almost never easy?

Boat work easy. Not from what I’ve seen !!!

Originally Posted by erebus

Golden Rule of boat work:
"You can see it, or you can touch it, but not both at the same time".

Ain't that the truth! Preach on brothers!


I finally got back to working on the boat last night, in the dark. I (re...re...re...)aligned the wheel/helm by timing the cable insertion and secured the cable along the gunnel underside using 5/8" plastic cable clamps and stainless washers and nuts, Two trips to the hardware store, had to modify the clamps and washers to attach to existing threads hanging under the gunnel. I'm very happy with the outcome.

[db3155]

Go hydraulic thank me later.

[caboman22]

I have the UFLEX master drive power steering set up for my Yamaha F300
works perfect for my boat.. 1974 SF 23CC

[Fr. Frank]

Still have the original 1971 Mercury "Ride Guide" helm with a 4-year old Teleflex cable on the Seafari. Smooth as butter, but 4 1/2 turns lock to lock.

18' has Seastar Teleflex Safe-T QC II system attached to the 90 Etec. Very smooth, but steering torque (aka P-factor) is an issue unless the boat is perfectly trimmed.

[bmajvi]

Re: "Is it just me or is boat work almost never easy?" - I've often thought that there's a great employment opportunity for midgets in the marine repair business. I once crawled into a cockpit locker head first on a sailboat, and wriggled myself upside down to reach a bad drain hose. I then realized that in addition to all the blood running to my head, I was unable to back myself out! Luckily my wife was nearby and heard my calls for help...