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Replacing the steering on a fiberglass boat is a complex task that requires a good understanding of the steering system and its components. Before beginning any work on the steering, it is important to identify the type of steering system in place, such as a rack and pinion system or a cable steering system. This guide will focus on the process of replacing a cable steering system, which involves several steps, including disconnecting the old steering cables, cleaning the steering tube, removing the steering wheel, and installing the new cables and helm. By following these steps and paying close attention to safety, boat owners can ensure their steering system functions correctly and safely.
Replacing the steering on a fiberglass boat
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Disconnect the old steering cables from the aft end of the boat. |
| Step 2 | Clean the inside of the steering tube and the tilt tube using a solvent and a wire cleaning brush. |
| Step 3 | Detach the old racks from the helm by unbolting. |
| Step 4 | Remove the steering wheel from the top of the helm. |
| Step 5 | Install a new metal mounting bracket on the dash. |
| Step 6 | Pull the new dual-cable through the starboard side gunwale of the boat. |
| Step 7 | Insert the new push rods into the steering tube and tilt tube, and connect them to the link rod. |
| Step 8 | Bolt the new rack to the new helm. |
| Step 9 | Poke the new helm/rack-cable assembly through the new mounting bracket and bolt the assembly to the bracket. |
| Other considerations | Ensure the steering system is installed correctly, and check the engine swivel point and swivel bearing for any issues. |
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What You'll Learn
Disconnect the old steering cables
Disconnecting the old steering cables is a crucial step in replacing the steering system of a fiberglass boat. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:
Firstly, identify the type of steering system in your boat. In the case of a rack and pinion system, each cable has a permanently attached "push rod" and a "rack" at opposite ends. The rack is attached to the helm, which is located under the steering wheel. To begin the disconnection process, remove the bolts securing the push rods to the link rod, which is responsible for pushing the engine to turn the boat.
Next, access the other side of the engine and loosen the large retainer nuts found at the end of each cable sheath. This will allow you to pull the cables out of their tubes. It is important to ensure that the engine can pivot easily from side to side after the cables are removed. If it doesn't, you may need to grease the engine swivel point or replace the swivel bearing.
Once the steering cables are out of their tubes, you can clean the inside of the steering tube and the tilt tube. This can be done by spraying a solvent, such as WD-40, inside the tubes to break up old grease, and then using a wire cleaning brush designed for a 12-gauge shotgun to remove any remaining residue. After cleaning, spray white lithium grease inside both tubes.
Now, it's time to detach the old racks from the helm. In some cases, you may need to cut zip-ties that are holding electrical wires in place. Be careful to secure the wires elsewhere to avoid any damage. Once the racks are free, you can drag both steering cables out of the boat, pulling from the helm end.
Finally, remove the steering wheel itself. There may be a dust cap that needs to be popped off to reveal the main nut holding the steering wheel to the helm. Remove this nut, and then use some force to pull the steering wheel off the shaft. In some cases, you may need to lightly tap the end of the shaft with a hammer while pulling on the wheel. Additionally, some steering wheels have a Woodruff key, a small half-moon-shaped piece of metal that helps hold the wheel in place, which will need to be removed as well.
By following these steps, you will have successfully disconnected the old steering cables, and your boat will be ready for the installation of the new steering system.
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Clean the steering tube
To clean the steering tube, you will need to have WD-40, a wire cleaning brush designed for a 12-gauge shotgun, gun patches, and white lithium grease. Firstly, spray WD-40 inside the tubes. This will act as a solvent to break up old grease. Next, run a wire cleaning brush through both tubes. After that, run gun patches through the holes until they come out clean. Finally, spray white lithium grease inside both tubes.
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Detach the old racks
Detaching the old racks is a crucial step in replacing the steering system of a boat. Here is a detailed guide on how to go about it:
Firstly, disconnect the old steering cables from the aft end of the boat. The steering system is a rack and pinion system, meaning each cable has a permanently attached "push rod" and a "rack" attached to the helm under the steering wheel. Remove the bolts securing the push rods to the link rod, which is what causes the boat to turn when pushed upon by the engine. Then, loosen the big retainer nuts at the end of each cable sheath on the other side of the engine. This will allow you to pull the cables out of their tubes.
Now that the steering cables are out of their tubes, you can detach the old racks from the helm. In the process, you may encounter zip-ties that are holding electrical wires in place, so be careful and secure the wires elsewhere before cutting the zip-ties. Once the racks are free from the helm, pull the steering cables out of the boat, from the helm end.
After detaching the old racks, you can move on to removing the steering wheel from the top of the helm. There may be a dust cap that you will need to pop off to reveal the main nut holding the steering wheel in place. Remove this nut, and then use your knees to force the steering wheel off the shaft. You may need to lightly tap the end of the shaft with a hammer as you pull on the wheel.
Finally, with the steering wheel removed, you can now detach the old helm. This will involve unbolting the helm from the mounting bracket and carefully removing it from the boat. It is important to note that the new helm may have a different configuration than the old one, so be sure to refer to the installation instructions for your new steering system.
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Remove the steering wheel
To remove the steering wheel from a fiberglass boat, you will need to first disconnect the old steering cables from the aft end of the boat. Remove the bolts securing the push rods to the link rod, then loosen the big retainer nuts at the end of each cable sheath. Now, pull the cables out of their tubes.
With the steering cables out of the way, you can detach the old racks from the helm by unbolting them. This will allow you to remove the steering wheel itself. There may be a dust cap that you will need to pop off to reveal the main nut holding the steering wheel to the helm. Remove this nut, and then use your knees to force the steering wheel off the shaft.
A Woodruff key, a small half-moon-shaped piece of metal, may be in place to hold the wheel onto the shaft, so you will need to pull hard on the wheel to remove it. Tapping the end of the shaft with a hammer as you pull can help with this.
Once the steering wheel is removed, you can continue with the process of replacing the steering system.
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Install the new parts
Now that you have removed the old steering system and cleaned the tubes, it is time to install the new parts.
Firstly, you will need to install the new cables. As mentioned before, the helm is the central component of your steering system, where the steering cables will connect to the steering wheel. Secure the steering wheel to the helm temporarily, making it easier to fit the new steering cables. Push the new cable into the helm by threading the line through the hole in the helm and pushing it in until it catches. Then, turn the wheel to pull the cable through the helm and out the other side. Lock the cable in place with the provided bolt.
Next, you will need to bolt the new rack to the helm. The new rack should have two factory-attached cables coming out of it. Insert the new push rods into the steering tube and tilt tube, and then connect the push rods to the link rod. Tighten the large cable nuts on the other side of the engine.
Now, you can install a new metal mounting bracket on the dash. Poke the new helm/rack-cable assembly through the new mounting bracket and bolt the assembly to the bracket.
Finally, screw the bezel cup onto the steering helm shaft. The bezel cup will provide a finished look to the steering system and protect the helm from damage. Place the Woodruff Key into the slot on the helm shaft. The Woodruff Key is a small, half-moon-shaped piece of metal that fits into a corresponding space on the helm shaft. It ensures the steering wheel is aligned correctly and won't slip or move. Slot the steering wheel over the helm shaft and Woodruff Key, ensuring the wheel is aligned correctly. Secure the wheel in place with the locknut and tighten thoroughly with a wrench.
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