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Suggestion and warnings when selecting a mechanical steering system
Selection of the appropriate mechanical steering system is an important factor for the safety and functionality of your boat.
The combination of engine power, hull type and boat speed influence the correct selection of the steering system.
The load on the steering system increases with the boat speed and engine power; the torque generated by the propeller rotation in high power outboard applications can make it hard to steer.
Big boats with displacement hulls and inboard or stern drive engines, can generate high rudder loads: in these cases a mechanical steering system will be inadequate and we suggest the use of a Ultraflex hydraulic steering system.
We always recommend consulting qualified personnel when selecting, installing and maintaining a steering system for your boat.
Advantages of a Planetary Gear Design
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| Ultraflex mechanical steering helms T71 FC, T73 NRFC as well as their dual cable versions and tilt wheel versions use a Planetary Gear Design. A Planetary Gear Design has three satellite gears that rotate on their axis and at the same time rotate around the central helm axis. This allows for equal distribution of engine torque over three points of the central gear, dividing and balancing the system loads. The benefits of this special design are increased system longevity, increased efficiency and less engine feedback compared to single pinion gear helms. |
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Efficiency comparison tests
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Test configuration:
3 bends at 90°; 1000N load
NOTE: indicated figures have been obtained after 500 cycles of running from samples bought from after-market sources |
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The importance of a Non-Reversible Steering System for increased safety
The steering system of a boat is the mechanism that determines the boat direction when the steering wheel is turned.
If, for any circumstance, the driver does not hold the wheel, it may occur a situation of danger caused by a sudden change of direction of the boat due to external forces (waves, currents, etc.) or internal forces such as the rotation of the outboard or stern drive engine originated by the way of rotation of the propeller.
Engine torque usually generates a load on the steering system that must be continually compensated for by the driver even when the boat is going straight. The additional effort by the driver to maintain a true course can often cause fatigue.
With Ultraflex Non-Reversible steering helms T73NRFC, T74NRFC, T83NRFC, T84NRFC the loads applied to the steering system are no longer a problem.
A special patented device allows the helm shaft to lock until turned by the driver, maintaining the boat direction and neutralizing the feedback loads on the steering cable.
This mechanism is engaged when the driver is not turning the wheel and is automatically disengaged as soon as the driver applies pressure on the wheel to change direction of the boat.
The Ultraflex Non-Reversible mechanism designed for mechanical steering systems makes driving a boat safer and easier.
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Use and Maintenance
The steering cable must be installed avoiding excessive and/or tight bends. This will provide the driver with easy handling at all speeds; reduce system inefficiency, and excess play in the system.
Marine corrosion may cause the materials to deteriorate affecting manoeuvering efficiency and in the worst case, system failure. By following the engine manufacturer specifications, the steering cable end fittings and the engine cable support must be cleaned and greased periodically; these simple operations minimize wear and corrosion in the system.
The steering cable must be regularly inspected. If steering becomes hard, inconsistent, cuts on the conduit surface are noticed, or any other component found damaged, the cable must be replaced immediately.
When storing your boat for an extended period of time we recommend removing the steering cable end fitting from its engine side support and cleaning it adequately.
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Selection of Steering System and cable length measurement
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Part numbers for ordering:
M55 XLL LL = Length of cable
M66 XLL LL = Length of cable
M47 XLL LL = Length of cable
M86 XLL LL = Length of cable
M68 XLL LL = Length of cable
M67D XLL LL = Length of cable
- Speed, hull, horsepower, engine type, displacement and size are major factors in boat performance and handling characteristics. The above selection guide should be used as a general reference only.
- One of the major factors in selecting a steering system is proper cable length. Due to specific routing in each boat, these approximate lengths will vary. Final selection should be made with the assistance of a qualified technician.
- Ultraflex mechanical steering systems should not be used on boats equipped with engines that exceed the maximum horsepower rating of the boat.
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How to measure for new Steering Cable Installation
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How to measure for replacement Steering Cables
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Replacement Steering Cables
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ACCESSORIES
FOR STEERING SYSTEMS |
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STEERING CABLE SUPPORTS
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- S37 -31848 M Clamp block with aluminum and stainless steel
- S38 -31971 M Stringer mount clamp block
- S39 - 31916 F Clamp block in marine aluminum and stainless steel
- S40 - 31917 G?Splashwell mounting, corrosion resistant
- S39T - 53930 J Tube only for S39
- S40T - 53935 O Tube only for S40
- S55 - 34744 A 90° rudder support corrosion resistant
- OMC® TT - 39363 H Thru transom sterndrive steering kit applicable for OMC® sterndrives manufactured from 1968-1982. Connects standard mechanical steering cable to the transom and sterndrive.
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STEERING CABLE ADAPTORS
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- K46 - 35679 L Adapts M47 cable to Morse® D290® helm
- K66 - 38432 Q Adapts M66 cable to threaded helms
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ENGINE CONNECTIONS KITS
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- A73 - 32637 T Tiller arm for Mercury® engines
- A74 - 32638 W Tiller arm for Johnson®,Evinrude®, OMC®
- A75 - 34459 X Clevis
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CONTROL BOX SUPPORT BRACKETS FOR P15 - P22 STEERING SYSTEMS
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- S45 - 32797 P Designed for B47 and B49control boxes
- S56 - 35062 F Designed for single lever control boxes.
To be positioned on the lacing cuff.
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TYPICAL INSTALLATIONS
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TIE BARS FOR TWIN OUTBOARD ENGINES
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A89/790 - 40129 G
A89/920 - 40659 N
- Suitable in the applications with single UC128-OBF front mount cylinder NOTE: In the applications with dual UC128-OBF cylinder use A90 tie bar
- Corrosion resistant
- This universal tie bar (PATENTED) allows you to trim independently the two engines without binding. Additionally you can tilt the engines when they are at full turning stroke
- A89/790: Adjustable from 26.7” (680 mm) to 31.1” (790 mm) engine centers
- A89/920: Adjustable from 31.1” (790 mm) to 36.2” (920 mm) engine centers
NOTE: For longer engine centers please contact our Technical Service.
A90 DE/DC TB KIT X LL
- Suitable in the applications with dual UC128-OBF front mount cylinder
- All stainless steel
WARNING: In the applications with dual UC128-OBF cylinders it is necessary to order a standard UC128-OBF cylinder (link arm attached to the starboard side of the cylinder) and a UC128P-OBF cylinder (link arm attached to the port side of the cylinder).
Starboard UC128-OBF cylinders:
UC128-OBF/1 - 39423 Z
UC128-OBF/2 - 39966 R
UC128-OBF/3 - 39967 T
Port UC128P-OBF cylinders:
UC128P-OBF/1 - 40106 U
UC128P-OBF/2 - 40107 W
A91/790 - 40139 K
A91/920 - 40660 X
- Suitable in the applications with single UC94-OBF front mount cylinder
- Corrosion resistant
- This universal tie bar (PATENTED) allows you to trim independently the two engines without binding. Additionally you can tilt the engines when they are at full turning stroke
- A91/790: Adjustable from 26.7” (680 mm)
to 31.1” (790 mm) engine centers
- A91/920: Adjustable from 31.1” (790 mm) to 36.2” (920 mm) engine centers
NOTE: For longer engine centers please contact our Technical Service.
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WIRE TYPE STEERING GROMMET AND RINGS
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BLACK GROMMETS
R1 B - 38060 I - Large
Ø 6”(152 mm); h 4.3” (110 mm)
R2 B - 38061 J - Small
Ø 4.1” (105 mm); h 2.5” (65 mm)
R3 B - 38062 K - 2 holes
Ø 4.1” (105 mm); h 2” (52 mm)
WHITE GROMMETS
R1 W - 38953 A - Large
Ø 6” (152 mm); h 4.3” (110 mm)
R2 W - 38954 C - Smalll
Ø 4.1” (105 mm); h 2.5” (65 mm)
R3 W - 38955 E - 2 holes
Ø 4.1” (105 mm); h 2” (52 mm)
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