The motored inflatable boat opens up new horizons for fishing and recreation, but steering through a rummel at high speeds or at a strong wave turns into a test of physical endurance. steering It's a huge change in operating comfort, allowing you to steer your course and free your hands for other tasks, and many boat owners are thinking about upgrading, but they're afraid of the complexity of mounting or damaging the cylinders.
Modern kits allow you to equip even a budget model PVC It requires careful attention to detail, the right tools and understanding of the principles of traction, and in this article we will examine in detail all the steps from the selection of equipment to the final adjustment of the cables, so that you can enjoy the control of one finger.
Before you start drilling the transom beam, you need to make sure that the system you choose is compatible with your engine and the design of the vessel. Errors in the planning stage can lead to thrust distortion or the inability to completely turn the engine. Competent training is the key to safe operation and durability of the installed system.
Selection of the appropriate steering system
The first step is to determine the type of system that is ideal for your boat, and there are mechanical options on the market with cables in the shell and more complex hydraulic systems. PVC length up to 5 meters and engines up to 50-60 hp, the best choice will be mechanicalIt's easier to install, cheaper and easier to maintain in the field.
When choosing a kit, pay attention to the length of the cable. Standard values range from 3 meters to 5.5 meters. For boats less than 4.5 meters long, a 3-meter (about 10 feet) cable is usually sufficient, but it is better to measure the distance from the transom to the place of installation of the steering wheel with a margin for bends. Insufficient length will lead to tension and rapid wear, and excess - to sagging and complexity of laying.
Also important is the material of the steering wheel and the rumble mechanism. Aluminum alloys with anti-corrosion coating are preferable for aqueous environment. Plastic elements are only allowed in places where there are no high loads. Make sure that the kit has all the necessary fasteners, as finding bolts of non-standard diameter can delay the installation process.
- 🚤 Type of system: mechanical (steering) or hydraulic (for powerful motors).
- 📏 The length of the cable: should correspond to the dimensions of the boat with a reserve for the gasket.
- ⚙️ Compatibility: Check the diameter of the engine's lower unit and the type of mounting of the rummel.
- 🛡️ Material: Stainless steel and anodized aluminum are preferred.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use car cables or homemade traction to control the outboard motor. They are not designed for constant contact with moisture, salt and specific loads when turning the screw under water, which can lead to a failure of control on the go.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
You can't make good installation without the right set of tools, you're going to need not only a standard set of keys, but you're going to need specific tools to work with plastic and metal, and the placement also plays a role: you're going to do better in good light, and you're going to have free access to the trunk of the boat.
Drilling a transom bar, which is often very thick, will require a powerful drill or screwdriver, use wood drills for the initial passage, and large-diameter feather drills for channeling under the cables, and work with metal motor elements and brackets will require cap keys and possibly a set of heads.
Don't forget to use the protection and sealing equipment. Silicone sealant should be designed for aquariums or marine applications to withstand constant contact with water and ultraviolet light. Marker, roulette and level will help to mark the holes with millimeter accuracy, which is critical for smooth steering.
☑️ Preparation for installation
- 🔧 A drill or screwdriver with a set of drills (including feathers).
- 📏 Roulette, marker and building level.
- 🔩 A set of wrenches and screwdrivers (cross and flat).
- 💧 Marine silicone sealant and degreaser.
Marking and drilling of the transom timber
The most important step, which requires maximum concentration, is marking and drilling. The transom bar is a load-bearing structure, and extra holes can weaken it or break the tightness. Before starting work, the motor must be fixed to the transom in the working position.
First, identify the exit point of the cable from the engine. To do this, remove the crankcase and assess where the thrust mount is most convenient. Often you need to drill a hole in the lower unit itself or use standard holes if they fit the selected set. If you want to drill metal, use a core to pin the point so that the drill does not slip.
Then we go to the boat's transom bar, and you drill through the wire rope, and the hole has to be 2-3 mm larger than the cable shell diameter to allow for free running and lubrication, and it's important to place the hole so that the cable comes out at right angles to the engine thrust plane, minimizing the bends.
After drilling, be sure to treat the edges of the holes with sandpaper or filet, which will remove burrs that can damage the cable shell when stretching, all holes must be thoroughly degreased and sealed before installing fasteners or laying communications.
⚠️ Attention: When drilling a transom bar from plywood or composite, use a depth limiter to avoid damaging the inflatable tubes on the back side, it is better to remove the transom lining or work with the utmost care, controlling the output of the drill.
Installation of the tiller traction on the engine
The setting of the steering mechanism on the motor itself depends on its design. Yamaha, Mercury or Hidea There are regular places for the steering cable connection, in which case the task is simplified before the reciprocating part of the hinge is installed.
If there are no regular seats, a universal bracket is used that covers the lower unit. The fastening must be performed on bolt joints using grover washers and a thread locker. The luft in the connection is unacceptable, as it will lead to a "dead stroke" of the steering wheel and loss of control sensitivity.
It's important to set the length of the adjustable thrust correctly. In the neutral position, the motor must look straight. The adjustment is done by twisting or twisting the thrust tips. After setting up, fix the counternuts so that the settings do not get lost during operation.
Check the range of rotation. The motor must be free to turn left and right to the stop, without touching the elements of the transom or cylinders. The cable in the extreme positions should not be pulled into the string, there should always be a small range.
- 🔩 Secure the thrust bracket using the thread lock.
- 🔄 Adjust the length of the thrust to center the motor.
- 🔒 Reliably cut all threaded connections.
- ✅ Check the full motor to the left and right.
Installation of steering column and cable laying
The steering wheel is chosen based on the comfort of the steering wheel and the design of the cockpit, and most often the steering column is mounted on a transom jar or on a special bracket attached to the cylinder, the main requirement is the rigidity of the mounting, the cord should not "walk" when cornering.
The cable is laid from motor to steering wheel, the cable is laid in the shell, the curves must be smooth. The bend radius should not be less than the minimum permissible for this model (usually at least 20-30 cm).
The cable's shell is attached to the transom of the boat by special holders or clamps, which prevents the cable from being bolted and rubbed against the side, and rubber sleeves or gums are installed in the passageways through the transom holes to protect against moisture and abrasion.
The cable is connected to the steering wheel according to the instructions. Usually the end of the rope with threads is inserted into the slot of the gear and is fixed by a nut. It is important to make sure that the turns of the rope fall into the rivulets of the gear smoothly, without overlapping.
Adjustment, lubrication and testing of the system
Once all the components are assembled, the adjustment stage begins, the system must operate smoothly, without jerking or jamming, and if the steering wheel is heavy, check the cable's track for overbending or too much tension on the shell.
Make sure to lubricate all movable joints. Use water-resistant lubricant intended for marine applications (such as lithium or silicone), lubricating the motor thrust hinges, the entry point of the cable into the shell and the steering column mechanism.
Test on land by turning the steering wheel from the far left to the far right several times. The motor should react instantly. Then check the operation in the water at low speeds, making sure that there are no backlashes and correct direction of turn (turning the steering wheel to the left - turning the boat's nose to the left).
Regular maintenance will extend the life of the system, and at least once a season, it is recommended to remove the casings, clean the cable from dirt and update the lubricant, which is especially important after use in salt water.
| Parameter | Norm/Requirement | Consequences of violation |
|---|---|---|
| Cord radius | At least 20 cm | Tie-tie, sheath rupture. |
| Luft in the compounds | Missing. | Insensitive control, vibration |
| Type of lubricant | Waterproof, marine | Corrosion, washing out lubricant with water |
| Tie-tieing | Free riding without sagging | Wear of gears or jerks when steering |
⚠️ Attention: If you find that the direction of the turn is reversed after installation, do not attempt to correct this by force. Check that the ends of the cable are connected correctly to the steering wheel gear - they must cross in a certain way according to the scheme.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I install the steering wheel on a PVC boat without drilling the transom?
There are attachment systems that attach to the lower unit of the motor and have a remote steering wheel on suction cups or clamps, but they are less reliable and are only suitable for low-power motors. For full control, drilling a transom bar or using special adapters that require fixation is almost necessary.
How often should the steering cable be changed?
When properly operated and regularly lubricated, the cable lasts 5-7 years, but it should be checked annually before navigation for breaks, corrosion and smoothness of the course, and if any defects are detected, the cable should be replaced immediately.
Will the steering system fit from one brand of motor to another?
Most universal kits are suitable for engines up to 50-60 hp, regardless of brand. However, the seats on the lower unit can vary. Motors over 60 hp often require specific brackets or hydraulic systems that are compatible with a particular model.
Do I need to remove the motor from the boat to install the steering wheel?
It is not necessary to remove the engine completely, but it is advisable to disconnect the fuel hoses and the electricians so that they have free access to the turning mechanism. If the design of the boat allows you to conveniently approach the transom, the installation can be made without removing the engine from the boat.