I have a question about mechanical, cable boat steering systems?

SeaStar / Teleflex has several systems that will attach to the outboard. You have a number of great answers and information given.

The systems they offer can be used on a number of applications. make sure that you get the proper one to match you motor and your boat.

Visit Teleflex's web site to look at the different systems. If you need help selecting the proper system visit a marine hardware store.

Good Luck and Boat Safe!

Teleflex Steering Systems

This system if it is a push/pull system is just that, it pushes one way and pulls the other. These systems are reasonably robust and far safer and more foolproof than an older endless cable system. The steering wheel end is basically a rack and pinion, this forces a double wound cable through a lined outer which is fixed to the steering box, and to the transom mount. The cable, fixed at the engine end inside a stainless hollow shaft continues through a tube which is part of the transom mount and extends beyond this to a tiller drag link, able to move in an arc just like your car drag link does in order to accommodate the tilting of the outboard. This is fitted to a short tiller about center front and exactly in alignment with the tilt shaft through which the cable passes as just described. This system is very common, but getting pretty dated now. Some of the attached links will show a little of what I am describing. To minimise water access to the cable in storage the engine should always be 'parked' on full lock with this tube fully retracted into the outer.

They have a heavy resistance if the cable is caused to go round too tight a bend, which is hard to avoid in the limited confines of a boat. They are not forgiving of tardy maintenance and can be very stiff in larger applications. They rely on a very tightly reverse wound steel cable, but any deterioration in this cable quickly tightens up in the bore of the outer, by its nature this system requires minimum slop, and this gives little room for expansion. I only specify Morse cables, as they are without doubt far superior to any standard fitment.

It is quite fair to question the mechanical disadvantages of any cable system. Given the smooth reliability and the good pricing of modern hydraulic steering systems it mystifies me why anyone would even contemplate a cable system. It is the last thing to cut costs on, steering is fundamental to control of the vessel. I regularly achieve 6000 hours plus of hard commercial use with NO maintenance, and that is easily four or five times the life of some cables. I only use morse control cables as well - there is no competition.

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I have a question about mechanical, cable boat steering systems?

How does a mechanical / cable steering system work for a small boat. I looked at the Teleflex and Uflex systems, but I don't understand how they work. The cable looks as if its attached to a bar at the end that attaches to the motor or mounting on the transom. But does this work like a hydraulic...

Pontoon Boat Steering Wheel

The cables do not require pulleys or springs. The cable threads onto the steering tube at the motor bracket and the steering rod connects the end of the cable to the motor. They are not hard to install as long as you have enough room to insert the cable into the tube without removing the motor to gain clearance. If your boat is not equipped with this steering system already you will need to purchase an entire kit to get the matching steering helm assembly.

question mechanical cable boat steering systems

You are correct about the system and how it works.They are a great system and will last a long time as long as you make sure to grease them.There are a couple of different types you can get.The most common are rack and rotary.If you need to change the steering system

in your boat,there are complete kits you can buy.The only part from the

old one you need to reuse is the wheel itself.Everything else comes in the kit.

it moves within itself ...inner and outer part to cable ....they have a gear rack by steering wheel which moves the cable inside housing ...keep it greased and they are almost indestructible