How to Install Boat Steering

The wheel, the helm and the cable make up the steering system.

One of the first things on the rejuvenation agenda when you're rebuilding a classic boat is replacing the steering system. If you've never done it, it may seem like a scary proposition. If the original steering system was removed before your diamond-in-the-rough was consigned to the heap, you won't have the old system to guide the installation. In principle, modern cable steering isn't much different from original systems, but in design, construction and standardization, modern systems installation borders on foolproof.

Things You'll Need

• Socket wrench
• Adjustable wrench
• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Lift the helm unit, which holds the steering shaft and controls the steering cable, up underneath the dash so that the steering shaft passes through the dash. Slip the trim collar over the steering shaft and align the mounting holes in the collar with the mounting holes in the dash.

2. Slip one mounting screw (supplied with the helm) through one of the mounting holes in the trim collar and the dash, and though the corresponding mounting hole in the mounting ring of the helm. Go under the dash and, while holding the screw in place, thread one of the nuts (also supplied with the helm) onto the screw and tighten the nut with a socket wrench. Insert the remaining mounting screws through the trim collar, and thread and tighten the corresponding nuts on those mounting screws.

3. Set the knuckle of the steering cable into the control arm of the helm and tighten the nut on the knuckle with an adjustable wrench. Route the steering cable sheath to the nearest side of the boat, securing it there with the mounting bracket supplied with the steering kit. Route the steering cable to the rear of the boat, supporting it with additional mounting brackets as necessary. At the rear of the boat, turn the steering cable toward the centerline of the boat.

4. Carry the steering cable along the splashwell wall or the transom of the boat to the point where the steering cable is attached to the tilt tube of the outboard motor. Lubricate the control arm at the end of the steering cable and push the cable through the tilt tube. Attach the steering link rod (the L-shaped rod on top of the tilt tube) to the end of the steering cable control arm with the nut and bolt provided.

5. Coat the tapered portion of the steering shaft with marine grease. Insert the Woodruff key in the keyway on the steering shaft. Slip the steering wheel over the steering shaft, turning the wheel to align the keyway in the steering wheel hub with the Woodruff key in the steering shaft. Thread the steering wheel nut onto the steering wheel shaft and tighten the nut with an adjustable wrench.

Tips & Warnings

• Most, but not all, steering cable mounting brackets are secured in place with a screw--supplied with the steering system--and screwdriver