How to Install a Steering Assembly in a Boat

The steering system is controlled by the pilot wheel of the ship.

Boat steering systems can be manual or powered hydraulic systems. Manual hydraulic systems consist of a pump that is attached to an actuator that turns the rudders. When the wheel is turned the opposite way, the direction of the fluid is reversed and the rudder moves the other way. The powered system consists of a pump that is run by the boat's main drive engine. It is connected to actuators that are routed through a directional control valve that moves the rudders. The lines of the steering system are routed through the boat and held into place with clamps.

Things You'll Need

• Bezel kit
• Screwdriver
• Drill
• 1-1/2-inch drill bit
• Clamps
• 4, 1/4-20 by 1-inch-long locking patch bolts
• 4, 1/2-inch OD flat washers
• Socket wrench

Instructions

1. Place the helm mounting plate that came with the bezel kit onto the dashboard of the boat and bolt it into place.

2. Route the steering cables to the starboard (right) side of the boat to give balance to the engine torque. Drill a 1-1/2-inch hole into the bulkhead where necessary to allow the cable to route through the boat. Make as few bends as possible in the cable as you route it. When you do bend the cable, make the bend as gradual or small as you can with a minimum bend radius of 8 inches. Clamp the cable at regular intervals to support it.

3. Insert the cable and drive assembly onto the helm unit. Mesh the pinion gear teeth of the helm with the gear teeth of the rack by turning the helm shaft. Fasten the cable and drive assembly to the rack with four 1/4-20 by 1-inch-long locking patch bolts and four 1/2-inch OD flat washers. Place the washers under the bolt head, then tighten the bolts with a socket wrench.

4. Secure the helm cable and drive assembly to the boat helm mounting plate with bolts provided in the bezel kit. Install the bezel and steering wheel. Once the steering wheel has been mounted, turn the wheel to ensure that it can move.

5. Connect the steering system to the engine by sliding the output ram though the engine support tube. Place the cable coupler nut onto the support tube. Tighten the cable coupler nut until it locks into place. Attach the cable output ram to the engine tiller arm. Do not bend the cable output end while installing it into the engine.

6. Run the boat for a few hours after installation. Check all the fasteners and steering system to make sure that everything has remained attached and is in working order.

References

• Teleflex Marine: Single/Dual Cable and Drive Assembly Instructions
• Crowley Marine: OMC Stringer Mechanical Shift Outdrive Installation
• American Stern Wheel: Steering Systems