Pre-delux steering failures rash in Sweden...

[tribologist]

By the way. I been told that this style clamps are obsoleted. Only the type with grooved tubes will be sold

[patclem]

I would put a plate on top also. Or a at least big fender washers in case the top gives in.

That’s a good idea. I should’ve made two. I like the off the shelf solution above for $100. I’d really like hydraulic.

[tribologist]

I changed out my whole steering system. I really regret not putting in hydraulic steering. It makes it way easier to install autopilot later.

[WillieC]

Tribologist, may I suggest you add your last comment to your thread on replacing your steering head and cable? Just a suggestion.

[tribologist]

Lol!! Will do

[nebulatech]

Speaking of hydraulic, has anyone installed hydraulic in an A25? I'm happy to be the guinea pig, but it will probably be next spring...

[nebulatech]

Speaking of hydraulic, has anyone installed hydraulic in an A25? I'm happy to be the guinea pig, but it will probably be next spring...

[tribologist]

The one on Craigslist here in Hartford has it

[nebulatech]

Interesting, thanks for sharing! I couldn't find it when I looked on the CL ad. Maybe they sold it?

Looks like they glassed in the rudder post, but that picture is enough to give me an idea. That should not be hard to pull off, biggest concern seems to be the hydraulic unit is sitting atop a stringer, and one might have to modify the panels/cushions. Does anyone know what is inside that stringer? Perhaps it could be notched out and reglassed...

I had a 21' Sea Pro center console I added hydraulic steering to. It was silky, velvety, and no resistance. One finger turns at 45mph. I was just flipping the boat, so I didn't have it long enough to learn about any long term implications (wear, maintenance, emergency breakdown) of hydraulic. My steering is OK for now, but when I upgrade, I'm thinking hydraulic is the way to go, in part due to the topic of this thread. The fluid reservoir is at the helm, and its rather deep. I'm moving my electrical out of the head anyway, but that's an installation consideration.

The kits can be pretty pricey, but Hodges has one for under $700, and I think with a little adaptation this could be made to fit inside the well, no modification to the stringers. It's 21" wide. I'l have to run out to the boat to measure, but I think this would fit. It's a smaller, less powerful unit intended for outboards up to 150hp. Since it is made to move a several hundred pound motor, I think it should be fine for a boat moving at sub-10 knots:
https://www.hodgesmarine.com/telhk4200a ... g-kit.html

[WillieC]

The nice thing about hydraulic is you can add multiple stations. On an A25 no less. Maybe one should add the remote wireless joystick option I saw on a 60 footer in Refuge Cove. He could spin that sucker around the marina sitting on the dock sipping his $10 (CDN) beer.

[DesertAlbin736]

60 footer in Refuge Cove? Was that the old gentleman from Sun City AZ? If it is he's the guy who dropped his Verizon cell phone overboard & we helped him get hold of Verizon customer service & have a new one sent to his son in the states to bring up there.

[WillieC]

That’s the gentleman. Another Steve as I recall.

[nebulatech]

Wow. That's a heck of a remote control boat!

I couldn't find my tape measure when I was in the boat earlier, but I don't think that compartment is 21" wide. Not giving up!

[ssrig]

Nebula tech that stringer you are referring to is actually air intake for the engine room, they are connected to the two mushroom vents on deck above the transom and the slots aft of the engine mounts. I’m pretty sure that there is ample space above the stringer as the plywood cover sits above it on a ledge.

I’m not sure if my steering was replaced but it sure is smooth and I can turn it with a finger!

I have seen two boats with a similar standoff as dKirsop posted and both of those plus mine had a fairly robust additional bracket that it mounted to which leads me to believe that there may be some stress on that attachment point, just maybe something to keep in mind.

[WillieC]

That air intake/stringer also has the steel for the engine mounts affixed therein. Anyone with a borescope could fish it in the airholes behind the engine. I shore would like to see how it is built and the extent of the steel.

Elsewhere it has been noted that in the sides of said stringer beneath the engine are two not very well patched holes. Mine exude salt crystals that lay under the engine. Those tubes may trap water that finds its way down there from boisterous following seas coming in the rear deck vents. Or else there is a hole in the hull I need to attend to.