Wire cable steering

mikekean · 13-08-2013, 12:18 PM

What are people thoughts on wire cable steering? The type that uses a screw type helm and pulleys.

Pretty old school but has virtually no slack. Looking into this for my P16 that i will be fitting with a Yam V4. I dont fancy hydraulic due to the expense and Double ride guide will probably be to heavy for my small arms.

Is it worth trying on a small boat or should it just be left in the past..

andy21 · 13-08-2013, 01:24 PM

Twin cables aren't as heavy as you might think. I had that set up on an R21 with a 200hp Merc. Optimax. Wasn't light in the way hydraulic steering is, but it certainly wasn't a problem... and I have weedy arms too!

FrenchPhil · 13-08-2013, 05:22 PM

I use it; it's cheaper, no maintenance & has great response.

pro-rig · 14-08-2013, 07:41 AM

its the only type of steering that we use on all our race boats.

mikekean · 14-08-2013, 08:43 AM

Thats the response i was looking for

Can anyone recomend a place to buy a helm, cable and pulleys?

Cheers

Mike.

FrenchPhil · 14-08-2013, 10:12 AM

I ordered mine from GlenL in the US. You will need side plates for the engine tho.
Pic of my setup.

OCRDA · 14-08-2013, 10:21 AM

If its a leisure boat do yourself a favour and fit Baystar !! If racing then fit Seastar Pro !!

scottyboy · 14-08-2013, 10:41 AM

I agree with Bob. I run it on my race boat but i wouldn't run it on a pleasure boat if I could help it. It does need alot of service if you run hard in offshore conditions all the time. I change my wire every 3-4 months.

mikekean · 14-08-2013, 11:06 AM

The only experiance of hydraulic i have is on my mates P18. The creep means continious steering input to keep the boat going where you want it to go especially when its a bit choppy. That would drive me insane.

Im not worried about maintenace, the boat wont be used for racing but will be used hard when its in the water. I will check tension before every use and probably replace the cable every year. I really want steering with no creep or slack in it.

The most important thing for me is i want the boat to be as safe and controllable at speed. But the steering must also be reliable.

If its ill advised for my purpose then i will have to go hydraulic, but if its good enough for racing then surely it can handle my little P16 with a Yam V4?

OCRDA · 14-08-2013, 11:11 AM

With good setup / prop choice and an even spoked steering wheel you will not notice the very minimal creep on Baystar or Seastar. Try one !! New Baystar is right side of £500.

Cookee · 14-08-2013, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikekean

The only experiance of hydraulic i have is on my mates P18. The creep means continious steering input to keep the boat going where you want it to go especially when its a bit choppy. That would drive me insane.

Im not worried about maintenace, the boat wont be used for racing but will be used hard when its in the water. I will check tension before every use and probably replace the cable every year. I really want steering with no creep or slack in it.

The most important thing for me is i want the boat to be as safe and controllable at speed. But the steering must also be reliable.

If its ill advised for my purpose then i will have to go hydraulic, but if its good enough for racing then surely it can handle my little P16 with a Yam V4?

Try a properly set up hydraulic system before you condemn it all - your mates 18 has a problem!

mikekean · 14-08-2013, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cookee

Try a properly set up hydraulic system before you condemn it all - your mates 18 has a problem!

He is convinced it is bled properly but im not so sure myself. Maybe its just worn. All i know is he hates it.

I've been looking at Bay Star which is rated to 150hp, ill be running 115-130 but it also states that it should not be used on high speed single engine boats. Will i need Sea Star Pro or are they just being over cautious?

OCRDA · 14-08-2013, 03:47 PM

His is either a cheap system or badly setup boat !! Baystar is Ok but only second best, if Racing you need Seastar Pro !! Your better bet would be Yam 90 and Baystar !!

FrenchPhil · 14-08-2013, 07:37 PM

Had a Baystar but was a bitch to maintain. Plus the steering hook snapped at 50mph. That or the nut breaks off. 500£ is a big budget for a small boat, it's cheaper to changer cables than go hydro.

OCRDA · 15-08-2013, 03:11 PM

Are you sure it was Baystar I know of quite a few and all are maintenance free !!