The operation of a small vessel directly affects the safety of the crew and the comfort of movement on the water. pulpThe basic engine version often does not provide the necessary comfort during long transitions or fishing for trolling, which is why many aquatic motorists are thinking about upgrading the control system.
Transition to full-fledged steering-wheel Or we can make it easier for the operator to unload the arm and improve visibility, and we can make it easier for the operator to use a well-designed control system to reduce fatigue, which is critical in difficult weather conditions or when maneuvering in narrowness.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to choose the best option for your boat, consider the nuances of installing a cable drive and give practical tips for maintenance of the nodes. You will learn what materials are best used for self-manufacture of controls and what to look for when installing.
Types of control systems of the outboard motor
All remote or direct control systems fall into several key types, each with its own advantages: the main difference is in the way the force is transferred from the operator's hand to the lower unit rotary mechanism. Small motors up to 30 hp are most often used mechanical control of the tiller.
The cable systems Cable Controls are the standard for medium-powered motors, and they consist of a strong steel cable in a protective shell that transmits rotational motion, which allows you to place the control station anywhere in the cockpit, which is especially true for boats with a central console.
- 🔹 Mechanical rumples are easy to maintain, do not require electricity, are reliable in the cold.
- 🔹 Hydraulic drives - provide smooth running, ideal for powerful motors from 100 hp and above.
- 🔹 Electronic systems (Fly-by-wire) are a modern standard where signals are transmitted over wires and thrusts are operated by servo drives.
The choice of a particular type depends not only on the engine power, but also on the geometry of the transom. For PVC boats with suspended seats, an elongated ramp is often enough, whereas for metal "kazak" or "cruisers" a full-fledged steering mechanism with a rope is preferable.
Advantages of steering installation
The upgraded controls have tangible benefits, especially if you spend a lot of time on the water, switching from the tiller to the steering wheel or using the wheel. extensioner The operator must constantly keep the hand in tension, which reduces the risk of seizures and fatigue of the hand.
Another important aspect is safety, where you can get a full steering gear, you can get the motor to a strictly horizontal position, so you can't just turn it around, and you can also get a second hand that can control the gas or hold the navigation devices.
⚠️ Warning: Installing non-standard extension cords on the ramp can change the geometry of the thrust and cause the full-gas rotation mechanism to jam. Always check the free ride before going to water.
For troll anglers, having a fixed position of the rummel or steering wheel is critical, allowing you to stay on course accurately without constant thrustering, and when combined with an electric motor, this solution turns a regular boat into an efficient fishing platform.
Use grooved handles made of EVA material for homemade extension cords - they do not slide in a wet hand and are pleasant to the touch even in cold weather.
Roompelle construction and materials
Standard rumples are made of corrosion-resistant aluminum alloys or durable plastics, but tuning often raises questions about material compatibility. Stainless steel AISI 316 is considered the best material for water-contacting elements, but it is significantly heavier than aluminum.
When choosing or manufacturing an extension handle, it is important to consider the weight. A too heavy bumper will create an additional moment of inertia, and it will become more difficult to control the engine, especially at low speeds. Lightweight alloys of aviation aluminum (D16T) are out of competition here.
| Materials | Weight. | Corrosion resistance | Price. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum (ANOD) | Low. | High. | Medium |
| Stainless steel | Highly | Very high. | High. |
| Plastic (ABS/PP) | Very low. | Perfect. | Low. |
| carbon | Minimum | Perfect. | Very high. |
Particular attention should be paid to the attachment of the handle to the hub of the motor. The threaded joints should be made of quality steel and treated with graphite lubrication to prevent staggering. Loctite or similar carving fixtures are not always justified here, as it can make it difficult to dismantle in the field.
Why is carbon rarely used for romples?
Although carbon is strong and lightweight, the cost of making complex bent shapes is high, and if you hit a hard object (stone, side), the carbon pipe can dissect, while the metal will simply crumple.
How to make a steering wheel for an outboard motor yourself
Self-manufacturing a control system requires precision and understanding of the mechanics of the process. Most often, craftsmen do not make a full-fledged steering wheel with cables, but rather make a complete steering wheel with cables. pulp It's going to require a piece of dural pipe, a handle on the old steering wheel, and fasteners.
The process starts with measuring the diameter of the normal motor handle, and based on that size, the adapter is selected or sharpened, and it's important to ensure that it's tightly fitted to avoid backlashes that can cause vibration and mount failure.
☑️ Assembly of the tiller extension
If you're planning to install a cable control, it's almost impossible to make a high-quality drive yourself without special equipment. rack-type (Rack and Pinion) requires high precision manufacturing of the gear pair, at home it is wiser to assemble only the console and mounts, and the mechanism itself to buy ready-made.
When you assemble, only use stainless fasteners. Conventional steel rusts in one season, even with painting. All rubbing parts must be lubricated with water-resistant lubrication designed for hub bearings or lithium compounds.
⚠️ Warning: Never weld extension elements to a regular tiller. Heat treatment will break the structure of the metal and can lead to breakage at the most inopportune time.
Installation of the cable control: step-by-step instructions
Installation of a cable control system (Teleflex or analogues) is a time-consuming process, but it is quite feasible in a garage environment. The first step is always to dismantle the regular ramp and install the steering column on board or console. It is important to choose the right place so that the angle of fracture of the cable does not exceed the permissible norms.
The cable must be carefully laid, the bend radius must not be too small, otherwise the inner cable will quickly wear out against the shell, the minimum bend radius is usually specified by the manufacturer and is about 15-20 cm.
Sequence of action:1. Remove the rummel and the lower unit cover.
Set the steering thrust on the motor bracket.
3. lay the cable from the motor to the control post, avoiding sharp edges.
Connect the cable to the mechanism in the column and lock the nuts.
5. Check the full stroke of the ditch (usually 35-40 degrees in each direction).
6. Lubricate the hinges and mothball the cable.
After installation, you need to adjust the tension, the cable should not be pulled, but sagging is unacceptable, and the optimal tension is tested by hearing: when you turn the steering wheel, there should be no creaking or knocking.
Properly laying the cable without inflections is the key to the durability of the entire control system, saving on the length of the cable or its improper installation will lead to a rapid failure of the expensive kit.
Maintenance and typical faults
Every mechanical system requires regular maintenance, and the main enemy of steering is salt water and sand, and after every foray, especially into salt water, the machinery needs to be rinsed with fresh water, and this simple action prolongs the life of bearings and hinges.
A typical problem with cable systems is that the inner cable is acidified, and if the steering wheel is stiff, it may have got moisture inside the shell, and the lubricant has turned into abrasive porridge, which requires dismantling, cleaning and re-grease. silicone Or Teflon compounds.
- 🔸 Scream when turning - lubrication in the hinges or hitting sand.
- 🔸 Luft tiller - wear of the bushings or weakening of fasteners.
- 🔸 Tight stroke - bend of the rope, freezing of lubricant in winter or corrosion.
Plastic elements of the tubes are dangerous to UV light and aggressive chemicals: do not use gasoline or acetone to clean the handles, it is better to use special cleaners for plastic or soap solution.
⚠️ Warning: If you notice that the control cable has started to bite in extreme positions, immediately stop operation. This can lead to loss of control at high speed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I install steering on a 5 hp motor?
Technically, it's possible, but economically and practically impractical, because a set of cable controls and a steering column can cost more than the cost of the engine itself, and for such power, it's enough to use a quality tiller extension.
What is the maximum angle of rotation for an outboard motor?
The standard diversion angle of a lower unit is 30-35 degrees each way, and exceeding this value can lead to air sucking by the screw (cavitation) and loss of traction, as well as damage to the control cables.
Do I need to remove the rummel when storing the boat?
A removed ramp eliminates accidental breakdown during transportation or storage, and it also lubricates the turn shaft and protects it from corrosion in the off-season.
How do you lubricate the steering cable?
The best way to use specialised cable lubricants (Cable Lube), which do not thicken in the cold and are washed out with water, is to freeze at low temperatures or wash with water.