Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Old cable steering info
Posted by MikeinWA on 07/18/09 - 10:24 PM
#1
Hello, I have been everywhere but here for help. I inherited a 13ft 1970 Whaler witha40 hp Johnson.
I really don't have a question but a favor. Could anyone send me a pic of cable steering linkage. Preferably the spring loaded device. I need to see how it used togo on to make something that will resemble that. That is if you haven't updated the steering.
Any help would be appreciated.
Posted by moose on 07/19/09 - 5:56 AM
#2
Do a search here on the site. I'm sure there's many threads and some articles with pics on it.
Welcome aboard.
By the way, from what I've seen there are more than one way the cables were run. I've seen one with 5 pulleys. What a complicated mess that was.
Posted by MikeinWA on 07/19/09 - 7:43 AM
#3
I've done some digging on this site as well as the internet and it seems everybody has switched to the modern system of steering.
Thanks for the welcome. This is the last piece of the puzzle for this boat and I will be able to take it out!
Posted by MikeinWA on 07/19/09 - 1:50 PM
#5
That is definitely....interesting. I would love to see more setups. I am beginning to think a push pull system would be worth the money in safety. If the pull system fails then the motor turns and at full speed that would be bad.
Posted by kamie on 07/19/09 - 2:58 PM
#7
Mike,
there is nothing unsafe about cable steering. Any system can fail and if you don't inspect it regularly you can miss the danger signs. Sometimes the simplest is the best, fewer moving parts, nothing hidden from view.
Posted by MW on 07/20/09 - 2:58 AM
#8
most have switched over to the "Safer" single push pull type cable, the older type get's tangled, uncoil's, kink's, and for "Recreational" boating (IMO) is Dangerous !
Posted by MikeinWA on 07/20/09 - 7:30 AM
#9
MW wrote:
most have switched over to the "Safer" single push pull type cable, the older type get's tangled, uncoil's, kink's, and for "Recreational" boating (IMO) is Dangerous !
That is what I was thinking. The boat will be used in a few small bays and in rivers with lots of obstruction.
Now to google for the best price on a push pull system. Any suggestions?
I don't think my wife is buying me saying " But the boat is free" anymore!
Posted by kamie on 07/20/09 - 10:50 AM
#10
There is nothing wrong with the pulley system. It is in no way unsafe and if you believe Binkie, it is the only steering system allowed on some smaller race boats, going in the neighborhood of 100MPH. If you switch to teleflex cable steering, you must either put the engine on a bracket, use a separate standoff by either Teleflex or TH Marine or raise the engine and go to a 20 inch shaft. You get faster steering response with the pulley system than any other type of steering, especially on a small boat. As for the rope tangling, or uncoiling that is poor maintenance, you should always check steering before you pull away from the dock.
Posted by MW on 07/20/09 - 2:02 PM
#11
You'll have to change out the helm too, the "Teleflex" No feed back system work's well, it won't spin out of your hand if you let go of the wheel, I have 2 "Pee Wee's" on board and don't need any surprises.
Posted by chrepp on 07/20/09 - 4:11 PM
#12
I haven't had any trouble with the pulley steering on my whaler. If the steering friction is set correctly on the motor it will stay on course and the wheel won't spin out of your hand. I don't see any reason to spend 1-200 bucks to replace something that works perfectly fine. In my case I would have to also buy a new used motor with a 20" shaft.