Please help-- what kind of steering do I have?/

[Fishhyren11]

My steering cable snapped on me while I was offshore this past weekend.
Instead of just replacing the cable, I was going to get a full kit.

Question is, do I have a rotary style steering kit? Most of the kits look radically different than what I have...
(Click to see larger image)



I think it's rotary, but most are MUCH shorter than mine.
Is it a "BIG T" system?



Can I use one of the smaller profile systems or should I try to get the same one??

[allen456]

That is the "Big T" teleflex.  I recently had the same issue and changed to the 4.2 NFB helm set.  I have had some issues with the steering when the motor is under power, but I think it is stemming from the tilt tube that the steering arm slides through.  I think it is a very good setup though.  What size outboard do you have?

[Fishhyren11]

I have a 115 Evinrude on it-
I was thinking of getting either the standard Teleflex Safe-T QC rotary kit, or perhaps the single cable "no-feedback" teleflex SS147/SS148...

Opinions welcomed!!

[slvrlng]

I'm going to go with the NFB SS147 as well. I found them on ebay for 174 and change. What length is your old system?

[Fishhyren11]

I'm going to go with the NFB SS147 as well. I found them on ebay for 174 and change. What length is your old system?

The black part over the cable is ~11ft.  I think I'm supposed to add 18" and then round up? so I guess 13 or 14'
I'll have to go back and make a 2nd measurement to be sure.

[slvrlng]

I talked to teleflex the other day and he had a great idea for me. Since my steering is not even there to take a piece of garden hose and lay it like it should run then measure and add the 18" and round up. It might make a good check for yours as well just to make sure in case there is any difference in your old compared to the new.Which hull do you have?

[Fishhyren11]

I talked to teleflex the other day and he had a great idea for me. Since my steering is not even there to take a piece of garden hose and lay it like it should run then measure and add the 18" and round up. It might make a good check for yours as well just to make sure in case there is any difference in your old compared to the new.Which hull do you have?

I have a 170

[LilRichard]

Just to add some more thoughts, you can get a full baystar hydraulic system for $300ish...

Food for thought!

[kaptainkoz]

i would DEFINITELY go with a no feedack system. The "big T" is notorious for steering where ever it wants to when a hand is off the wheel. I switched to the teleflex "no feedback" (sorry do not remember the model) and I am thrilled with it. Now when I am out by myself I do not have to stop the boat to prepare the anchor/docklines/fenders. So much safer.

[Fishhyren11]

My motor (w/out any steering) is pretty stiff- I don't see any grease fittings on the hinges to turn left/right.
Even without the nfb, it takes a bit of force to move the steering (I managed to clean out the tilt tube w/a shotgun cleaner brush and oiled it up).
So really the only thing keeping it really still is the engine's hinge.
Anyone know a way to make it have a bit less friction?