Marinette Boat Forum

The steering on our boat was a little tough last year. The cable always seemed to bind returning to center from port. I thought it was the cable binding and worried the it would fray and snap under way. BTW - The back-up plan was to let the wife stand in the bilge and control the rudder. She didn't think my back-up plan was funny.

The steering system is a Steermaster Mark II and new cables are $300.

The issue appears to have been no grease in the steering gear box. The gears inside the steering case were dry and crusted with old grease. I cleaned out the box, greased the gears and reinstalled it. Now, the steering is silky smooth in both directions.

If the steering is a little rough on your mechanical steering gear, think about disassembling and greasing it.

Eric

Where did you find cables?
Roger

http://www.glen-l.com/inboard-hdw/steer ... ables.html

I had found an entire assembly on eBay for $150.

The gear box is a royal pain to assemble. Made me think about buying the assembly.

steering is almost unusable from upper helm.....how do i fix that problem....do you think it is the cable?

Last year I had to replace my steering cable. Used a teleflex and made a couple of parts for the rudder end. (you can buy it all from teleplex.) BIG note to any one doing this. I did not see the short on the new housing and yep you get the picture got so hot it welded the new system solid. I had to space the dash panel out about 5/8 of an inch to get a good clearance for all the wiring. (also so had to replace some wires back to the motor!) Just an FYI if you are thinking new vs finding the old stuff. Everything works great the second time around. HA!

I had to do the same. I also replaced Steermaster with Teleflex. It was the fastest cheapest way to go. Had to make an adapter for the cable end but now parts are available and I can replace the whole system for $200.

My problem is the steering from the upper station. Cannot decide if the cable needs replaced or if something is binding at the aft end where it is attached to the rudder assembly. We disconnected the cable from the rudder assembly and the cable moves freely. As soon as we reattach it becomes very difficult to turn the wheel. The boat is a 32ft sedan. Also if I replace it can some body tell me the correct length of cable I need to find. Any thoughts or suggestions.

Don
Odyssey13

A P.S. to my upper station steering problem. The lower steering is just fine. Can turn the wheel with one finger.

Don
Odyssey13

I just replaced the upper steering cable on my 32 Sedan, cable was 27 foot Steermaster Mark II, Marine Discounters Sandusky Ohio ordered it, Brad is extremely knowledgeable great to deal with. Had it overnighted. Not an easy task to install.

"The back-up plan was to let the wife stand in the..."

If you have twins, you can navigate quite well enough to get back to the dock with the throttles alone.

Did I mention the set screws on the rudder coupling are important?