27 FC Steering Question

[Jack-B]

I'm a new owner of a 1986 27 FC. Steering is a Morse cable system and appears to be original with lots of play. Considering replacing with similar Teleflex system and possible SiTex auto pilot, Morse was bought out by Teleflex. Anyone out there that has replaced their steering your comments and suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks JB

[Veebyes2]

I did a replacement of the cable steering after only a few years of owning my 1986 27AC. What a world of difference!!! No more wandering to port. Finger light steering. Did the job myself. Installed the Capillano system, really intended for a 40' boat. Nothing like a bit of overkill.

[hetek]

SiTex makes an autopilot called the Dash Drive, which is a combination steering helm/AP Drive unit. If you go that route you can figure in the savings over having to replace the helm. You would still need the cable though and probably wont be a bad idea.

I'm hoping to install that very same system in my A27 this spring - if my Christmas bonus lasts that long.

One caution about the SiTex dash drive: the mounting depth of the dash unit leaves barely enough room (I've heard you need some creative bulkhead cutting and it may intrude on the head compartment) so I would "measure twice - cut once".

[Jack-B]

Thanks for your comments, about the SiTex Dash Drive, do you know what the model # is? I have not seen "Dash Drive" in any of the cataloges. Thanks again for your help. JB

[hetek]

Here's the "Dash Drive" unit - check it out on page 3:

http://www.si-tex.com/2011_autopilotdrivebrochure.pdf

The dash-drive is available in either a fixed 90 degree helm or a tilt steering helm model.

You would pair this with a control unit, most likely a SP70 (hand-held wired remote) or a SP80 (fixed mount)

I think they can come as a package, but I'm not sure.

I'm going to have to polish up on my autopilot research if I'm going to make the rendezvous this year. Still trying to make it through the holidays intact...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

[Jack-B]

Thanks again for your help and site info. I'm planning on contacting SiTex by phone and will post results. Happy New Year!

[AKDW]

I know this is a few months old but I might have something to contribute. I found my 1986 Albin also had alot of play in the steering and fell off to port when underway if I let go of the wheel. This is a Teleflex BigT. I found on the back of the steering box a nut with a locking nut (9/16) and tightened it. This fixed my steering issue.