• About Mechanical Steering System
• Selecting the 'Correct Steering System'
• Mechanical Steering System
  • Thread Connect Steering System
  • Easy Connect Steering System
  • Lite-55 Steering System
• Packaged Rotary Steering kits
  • Packaged Steering System : Thread Connect
  • Packaged Steering System : Easy Connect
  • Packaged Steering System : Lite 55
• Replacement & Cross Reference with Teleflex®/Utraflex®/Morse®
• How to Measure for New Steering Cable
• How to Measure for Replacement Steering Cable
• Maintenance of Steering System
• Steering Accessories
• Ordering Code, Photograph and Packaging Details
  • Steering Helm
  • Steering Cable
  • Bezel kit & Link Arm

Selecting the 'Correct Mechanical Steering System'

In order to ensure proper functionality of the Mechanical Steering System and safety of the boat the selection of the correct STEERING SYSTEM becomes a critical exercise.

Due to various combinations of engine and boat configurations the following need to be considered while selecting the steering system .

• Boat Speed
• Engine Power
• Engine type
• Displacement
• Boat size
• Hull type

Higher Engine Power or Boat Speed  increases the load on the Steering System due to higher torque generated by the propeller .

Bigger Boats with inboard engines and higher displacement hulls have higher rudder loads and may require Hydraulic Steering Systems. Hydraulic Steering Systems can be used in other applications as well as where the helmsman desires lower loads.

When a outboard powered boat is fitted with a Mechanical Steering System the Steering System experiences steering loads which try to move the boat in the direction of the propeller rotation. These loads are fed to the Steering wheel via the Steering Cable which turn the Steering Wheel . The degree of this turning force is dependent on the Boat Speed,  Motor Horse Power, Hull design and external forces such as waves or currents etc.These turning  forces need to be compensated by the helmsman while keeping the boat on a straight course. Also these forces cause fatigue to the helmsman .

The NON Reaction Helms compensates these forces by locking the Helm shaft and not transmitting the feedback loads to the shaft. The helm shaft remains locked by a friction mechanism and is released only when the Steering wheel is turned by the helmsman. This ensures lesser fatigue and greater safety.

Based on the above factors one of the Steering System from below should be selected :

• Mechanical Steering System : Reaction or NON Reaction
• Hydraulic Steering System

Selection Guide for MULTIFLEX Mechanical Steering Systems:

Application	Boat Length	Steering System
Inboard	up to 35' (10.5m)	Steering Helm : LM-H-101 Steering Cable : SC-16
		Steering Helm : LM-H-001 Steering Cable : SC-11
Outboard	up to 30' (9m)	Steering Helm : LM-H-101 Steering Cable : SC-16
		Steering Helm : LM-H-001 Steering Cable : SC-11
Stern Drive Power Assisted		Steering Helm : LM-H-101 Steering Cable : SC-16
		Steering Helm : LM-H-001 Steering Cable : SC-11
Engine Power
Outboard	Upto to 40 kW(55cv)	Steering Helm : LM-H-201 Steering Cable : SC-18

Note :

1) Double cable steering system should be used for boats operating above
50 mph

2) MULTIFLEX Mechnical Steering systems should not be used on boats fitted with engines that exceed the maximum horsepower rating of the boat.

The above selection chart should be used as a reference only.

How to measure for new Steering Cable Installation:

Once you have selected the Steering System from the above , it is now required to measure the length of the required Steering Cable. Each boat has a specific requirement of Cable length which depends on the length of the boat and the routing of the cable.

The required Steering Cable length should be measured as below:

Measure the dimensions : A, B, and C in centimetres.

Ascertain how many 90 degree bends does the cable have in the routing.

Ascertain whether the cable installation is :

• Through Engine Tilt Tube
• Transom Support
• Splash well Mounting

Use the following method for calculating the Steering Cable Length :

1) For Installation through Engine Tilt Tube :

• Add dimensions A + B + C
• Subtract 10 cm from the above total for each 90 degree bend in the cable routing
• Add 30.5 cm to the above figure.
• You have the required length of the Steering Cable in centimetres. If you wish to order in foot ,divide the above by 30.5 and round the figure to next foot.

Example :

 

If A = 100cm, B = 200cm, C = 60cm.

Assume there are two 90 degree bends in the routing.

The length of the required cable shall be : 100 + 200 + 60 = 360

Subtract 20 cms on account of two 90 degree bends 360- 20 = 340

Add 30.5 on account of Tilt tube installation 340 + 30.5 = 370.50 cms

For cable length in foot : 370.5 / 30.5 = 12.14 Round off = 13 foot

2) For Splash well Mounting and Transom Support installation : (Diagram 2 & 3)

• Add dimensions A + B + C
• Subtract 10 cm from the above total for each 90 degree bend in the cable routing

You have the required length of the Steering Cable in centimetres. If you wish to order in foot ,divide the above by 30.5 and round the figure to next foot.

 

Example :

If A = 100cm, B = 200cm, C= 60cm

Assume there are two 90 degree bends in the routing.

The length of the required cable shall be : 100 + 200 + 60 = 360

Subtract 20 cms on account of three 90 degree bends 360- 20 = 340 cm

For cable length in foot : 340 / 30.5 = 11.14 Round off = 12 foot

Note: It is advised to consult a qualified technician while selecting, installing or servicing the Steering System on your boat.