Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by DonavonMn on 03/20/12 - 6:00 AM

I've started looking around for a steering system for my 1974 16'7" Custom, but there's something like 10 different models to choose from. Looking for someone to point me in the right direction, or give me a little Teleflex 101. The engine is a 1996 Evinrude 90hp. Also what are your folks thoughts on tilt steering, is that something nice to have?

Thankyou,
Donavon

Posted by thegage on 03/20/12 - 7:30 AM

I'm facing the same question with my 16SL as I have to replace the steering system. I think the two most reasonable options are the NFB 4.2 or the Safe-T II NFB. What it comes down to is whether you want 4.2 turns lock to lock with the 4.2, or 3 with the Safe-T.

John K.

Posted by Phil T on 03/20/12 - 9:29 AM

For a midrange powered boat (<115hp) and less than 20', I would go with the 3.0 turns lock-to-lock NFB helm. It makes docking and slow speed maneuvering less work.

Posted by awayland on 03/20/12 - 9:30 AM

NFB is a must with a 90hp. Did mine last season Love it! No tilt, Wasn't necessary for me. Cost was about $170 I think I used the 16 foot cable. Came with everything but the wheel.

Posted by apogee on 03/20/12 - 9:57 AM

I have th 12' Teleflex steering cable for that boat. I bought it for a project last month and had to change up to a 10' steering cable. Let me know if it will work for you. The steering heads are inexpensive.

Posted by DonavonMn on 03/21/12 - 5:30 AM

Phil T wrote:
For a midrange powered boat (<115hp) and less than 20', I would go with the 3.0 turns lock-to-lock NFB helm. It makes docking and slow speed maneuvering less work.

Thanks, sounds like I'm looking for.

I got a chance to talk to Sue at Twin Cities Marine yesterday, that's one knowledgable and nice lady. She gave me a crash course on Teleflex, so yes I'm going with a NFB system.

Thankyou,
Donavon

Posted by Gamalot on 03/21/12 - 6:00 AM

What is the difference with the one I bought for my Montauk project, Teleflex Safe T-QC, SS137?

This was said to be the replacement equal to the Big T helm that was there.

Posted by thegage on 03/21/12 - 7:12 AM

Gamalot wrote:
What is the difference with the one I bought for my Montauk project, Teleflex Safe T-QC, SS137?

This was said to be the replacement equal to the Big T helm that was there.

The QC system doesn't have NFB.

John K.

Posted by Gamalot on 03/21/12 - 7:16 AM

thegage wrote:

Gamalot wrote:
What is the difference with the one I bought for my Montauk project, Teleflex Safe T-QC, SS137?

This was said to be the replacement equal to the Big T helm that was there.

The QC system doesn't have NFB.

John K.

Thanks John. I don't honestly know what NFB or what I assume is no feed back means in regards to the way my boat will steer. Next question would be, did the original Big T helm have NFB?

Posted by thegage on 03/21/12 - 7:34 AM

#10

NFB means that there is a clutch in the helm that prevents motor torque from changing steering angle. In other words, without NFB you can stand at the motor and change its position by pushing on the motor. With NFB you can't. The idea of NFB is that you can take your hands off the wheel while underway without fear of sudden unintended course changes. I don't know if the original helm had NFB or not.

John K.

Posted by Gamalot on 03/21/12 - 7:58 AM

#11

thegage wrote:
NFB means that there is a clutch in the helm that prevents motor torque from changing steering angle. In other words, without NFB you can stand at the motor and change its position by pushing on the motor. With NFB you can't. The idea of NFB is that you can take your hands off the wheel while underway without fear of sudden unintended course changes. I don't know if the original helm had NFB or not.

John K.

That would be a useful feature but I would guess the original Big T did not have it. When I first got the boat the cable sheath had cracks and it was frozen inside so I had to replace it and everyone here told me to buy a new helm while I was at it. Wish I had known of the NFB feature.

Posted by Phil T on 03/21/12 - 8:38 AM

#12

For everyone who is changing their steering cable, it imperitive to install a cable nut with a grease fitting.

One brand name is Steersman guard.
http://www.steersman.com/html/whatitd...tdoes.html

Add grease in the spring and again and in the fall and you will not have stiff or a frozen steering cable. I have used one for 10 yrs.

Edited by Phil T on 03/21/12 - 8:39 AM

Posted by Gamalot on 03/21/12 - 8:58 AM

#13

Phil T wrote:
For everyone who is changing their steering cable, it imperitive to install a cable nut with a grease fitting.

One brand name is Steersman guard.
http://www.steersman.com/html/whatitd...tdoes.html

Add grease in the spring and again and in the fall and you will not have stiff or a frozen steering cable. I have used one for 10 yrs.

Thank you Phil. I bought the grease fitted nut and the stainless steel tilt tube but missed out on the SS 132 NFB helm.

Posted by DonavonMn on 03/22/12 - 5:26 AM

#15

apogee wrote:
I have th 12' Teleflex steering cable for that boat. I bought it for a project last month and had to change up to a 10' steering cable. Let me know if it will work for you. The steering heads are inexpensive.

Thanks for the offer but I need 15' minium.

Donavon

Posted by apogee on 03/22/12 - 11:39 AM

#16

DonavonMn wrote:

Thanks for the offer but I need 15' minium.

Donavon

No problemo... The Teleflex could not be any simpler to install or replace the cable. It is what I chose for the short boat and I am happy with it.

Posted by DonavonMn on 03/25/12 - 7:00 PM

#17

Here's something I for got ask in my original posting, My motor came with half of a Sea Star hydraulic system. The owner of the boat I bought the engine off from didn't want to included the helm or hydraulic lines because he wanted the boat to stay complete looking minus the motors. I tried to convince him either to take some money off the motor and keep the steering or I would pay more to get the rest of the steering, but he didn't want to do it. Just to be clear I have the hydraulic steering mounted on the motor minus the hydraulic lines and helm.

I found a new Sea Star helm online for under $200, should I go with the hydraulic steering system oppossed to the mechanical?

Thanks,
Donavon