Outboard motor steering for Center Console

[Armedmariner]

OK then... I have a stupid question. I've contacted Morse Teleflex and they have not responded to me. I'm mad at them.

I want to know how to install center console steering. I know that sounds easy but I want DETAILS. I've never done this.

Right now my boat has a full uncut transom. It has a center console I built that Tracy Obrien designed. I want to know what the hell I do next. I know I have to have a steering kit. I know I have to measure from the steering wheel center of hub to the neutral steering point on the motor (which I don't own yet) to determine overall cable length.

What I don't know is how do I make the cable turns? In other words, what HARDWARE am I supposed to use to make those cable turns? And, how much of a bend can I take? Is 90-degrees too much or ok? How many bends can I have? How do I support the cable? Is there anything else I should be considering?

I'm afraid I'll go too far and then say, "Why didn't I ask the guys on WoodenBoat?"

Please, any advice or pictures would be a huge help. I really am "stuck" until someone primes my pump. Thanks for the help.

[Gresham CA]

Morning Armed,
First a question. Are you wanting to use cables and pulleys or the Teleflex push pull cable? Teleflex min. radius I believe is 18". Hardware depends on the way you hook up to the engine you buy. most new engines run the steering cable through the tilt tube so there is very little hardware to buy. Hope this helps some.

[Randy Leo]

My Teleflex steering system came with a relatively complete set of installation instructions. Short of actually damaging the cable by kinking it, I believe that it will make a pretty tight radius bend <18" and still work just fine. The push pull cable assembly on the Safe-T steering is pretty tough and is well lined with some sort of slippery plastic and waterproof grease to help reduce friction on the moving cable when it's snaking through a tight spot.

Teleflex Morse is a decent outfit; I would imagine that you could call them for some assistance.

Teleflex Customer Service/Technical Support:
1-610-495-7011

Access to all Teleflex installation documentation can be found here: Teleflex Morse Documentation (http://www.teleflexmorse.com/Marine/default.asp?id=48)

Have fun!
R

[ 01-28-2003, 09:12 AM: Message edited by: RCL ]

[J. Labaree]

Just a quick endorsement of RCL’s comment. I installed a Morse Teleflex steering system in the 15’ center console I built a couple of years ago. It was pretty straightforward. Due to the small size of the console, I went a bit beyond the recommended minimum diameter for bending the cable inside the console where it attaches to the steering unit. Works just fine. It helped to set up the steering unit so that it was rotated down slightly so the cable coming up from under the sole didn’t have to bend all the way to 90 degrees, but rather something closer to 75. That was my tightest corner.

- Jonathan

[Bill Perkins]

RCL your post was relevant to me too , but I've tried the link twice and it seems to be no go .

[Armedmariner]

RCL, your link worked for me. Thanks. I will contact the phone line at Teleflex to get further information on what I need. Looks like I need a simple Safe-T II model kit. Now, all I have to do is figure out how to route the cables. Since I have a flat bottom skiff with center console I have to run this cable DOWN from the steering wheel to the floor/sole and then RIGHT or LEFT out of the console along the sole to the side then UP to the sheer deck where it will run hidden to the stern to turn again toward the motor and then it will pass through my splash well to the engine.

Question for anyone:
What is a tilt tube?

[Mark Van]

The tilt tube is the tube on the motor where the motor pivots, and the rod at the end of the steering cable goes through. The best way to figure out how it is all put together is to go to a boat dealer and look at the boats.

There is info and diagrams in the West Marine catalog for installing telleflex steering systems.

Mark

[Randy Leo]

Armedmariner,
At the risk of getting hooted off of the forum, I'd like to suggest making a "Fact Finding" trip to your nearest recreational boat dealer. Even though they are fibergla**, they are still boats and have to be steered. Go, gawk, ask questions and then return home to the heady aroma of freshly-planed shavings of Port Orford cedar and Kirby paint to install your steering system in complete confidence.

BTW-If the above link to Teleflex doesn't work, go here (www.teleflexmorse.com) and then navigate to what they call the "Gray Catalog."

Regards,
RCL

[ 01-29-2003, 03:39 PM: Message edited by: Randy Leo ]