Boat. MKM It is a classic of Soviet and post-Soviet shipbuilding, and has proven to be a reliable and maintainable watercraft, but the standard steering system, designed decades ago, often fails to withstand modern stress, especially when installing more powerful outboard motors, and owners face backlashes, tight running and high-speed handling difficulties, which directly affect safety.
Modernization of this node is one of the most popular tasks for tuning MKMReplacing outdated traction with modern cable systems or creating hybrid variants allows you to significantly improve the comfort and accuracy of the vessel. The right configuration of the steering mechanism can turn the old “pot” into a maneuverable boat, responsive to every move of the rummel.
In this article, we will take a closer look at all aspects of steering, from the type of drive you choose to the nuances of mounting a gearbox in a limited transducer space, and learn which materials are best used for making traction and how to avoid common mistakes that can lead to failure at the most inopportune moment.
Analysis of the staff system and the reasons for modernization
Factory steering of the boat MKM It's built with a mechanical traction scheme and a sectoral mechanism, and although it's very durable, it has some significant drawbacks that are evident when you're running motors over 40 hp, and the main enemy is corrosion and the production in the hinge joints, which leads to a nasty backlash.
Another problem is that you can't adjust the force quickly on the tiller, and when you're moving against a wave or at full speed, the hand quickly tires of the constant resistance of water to the screw. The cable steering wheel The control is devoid of these disadvantages, as it provides a smoother run and allows you to install a hydraulic compensator or simply use a longer tiller to reduce the effort.
⚠️ Attention: Operation of a boat with a heavily worn steering mechanism is strictly prohibited. Luft in the control system can lead to loss of course and emergency, especially when going to planing or moving along the wave.
In addition, the standard system often requires significant space under the floorboards, which prevents the placement of fuel tanks or additional equipment. T-87 or SSC134 It releases the useful volume of the cockpit, which is especially true for the MKMEvery cubic centimeter of space is worth its weight in gold.
Owners who decide to upgrade often note not only improved handling, but also improved overall safety of the boat. Modern materials such as stainless steel and composites last much longer than conventional ferrous metal, exposed to the aggressive effects of salt water.
Selection of the type of steering mechanism: cable or hydraulics
When choosing a new system before the owner MKM So you have a dilemma: you can either go with the budget cable or you can invest in hydraulics. Teleflex Or their counterparts, they're the most common choice, they're easy to install, they don't require complex maintenance, and they're easy to integrate into an existing transom design.
For boats with engines up to 70-90 hp, a high-quality cable drive is quite enough. However, if you are planning to install a higher-power engine, it is worth considering. hydraulic steeringIt provides perfect smoothness and complete absence of feedback from the propeller, which makes the control of the boat as comfortable as possible even in stormy conditions.
- 🔹 Cable systems: affordable price, ease of DIY installation, lack of fluid in the system.
- 🔹 Hydraulic systems: maximum comfort, the possibility of installing two control posts, high reliability on powerful engines.
- 🔹 Combined options: use of a gearbox from a cable system with elongated thrusts for specific installation schemes.
It is important to consider the geometry of the transom MKMThe regular position of the motor and the hummel may require transition brackets. The cable systems are more flexible in this regard, since the cable can be laid along any trajectory, skirting obstacles, while hydraulic hoses require more careful stowage to avoid bending.
When choosing a cable system always take a stock length of 30-50 cm Extra cable can be carefully rolled into the bay and fixed under the floorboard, but the short cable will have to be changed entirely, which will entail additional costs and loss of time.
Selection of components and gearboxes
The heart of any cable system is a gearbox. MKM The most optimal solution is considered to be the series reducers. RA They're compact and have a standard mount, so they're relatively easy to fit into the design, and you have to consider the speed of the stop-to-stop, which is the optimal 3.5-4 revolutions.
The cable itself must be enclosed in a strong shell that protects the inner vein from water and dirt, and the market offers cables of different lengths, but for the purpose of using the cables, the cables are not very long. MKM Longer cables can create additional friction, which will increase the force on the tiller.
| Parameter | ICM staffing system | The cable system (RA) | Hydraulic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Effort at the tiller | High. | Average | Minimum |
| Difficulty of installation | Low (staff) | Medium | High. |
| Cost | 0 (already there) | Low/Medium | High. |
| Service | Lubrication of traction | Lubrication of the gearbox | Checking the oil level |
Special attention should be paid to the quality of fasteners. Bolts, nuts and washers should be made of stainless steel brand. A4 (316)The use of conventional ferrous metal or even galvanizing in conditions of constant contact with water will lead to rapid destruction of compounds. For a MCM boat, it is critical to use a stainless fastener with a diameter of at least 8 mm to fasten the gearbox to the transom.
It is also worth buying a quality pulpIt's a telescopic handle, preferably with a telescopic handle or a length adjustment, which allows you to customize the force to a specific operator and swimming conditions. Some models of the roompelle have built-in spring compensators, which is a great addition to the cable systems.
☑️ Preparation for the installation of the steering wheel
Technology of installation and installation on the transom
The installation process begins with the dismantling of old equipment, carefully removing the motor, disconnecting the thrusts and removing the remnants of the standard mechanism, and then the surface of the transom in the future attachment area is thoroughly cleaned to metal, which is necessary to ensure reliable contact and prevent corrosion under the fasteners.
The gearbox is mounted through a special hole or on a bracket that is welded or bolted to the inside of the transom. It is important to keep the ratio of the gearbox output shaft to the cable attachment point on the motor bracket, and the distortion will cause rapid wear and wear of the cable and the mechanism to become entangled.
⚠️ Attention: When drilling holes in the transom of the MCM boat, be sure to use cobalt-coated metal drills and coolant. Overheating aluminum can lead to deformation of the metal around the hole and leakage.
The cable must be laid smoothly, the bend radius should not be less than the minimum permissible specified in the instructions for the cable (usually at least 20-25 cm). Sharp clatters of the shell will damage the inner vein and loss of controllability. The cable is fixed by clamps to the elements of the boat set to exclude its bolt when moving along the wave.
The final step is to adjust the tension, the cable should not be pulled, but sagging is unacceptable, the optimal tension is checked by ear and tactile: the rummulator should move smoothly, without jerks, but with little resistance, and after installation, it is recommended to make a test exit on the water in a safe place to check the system.
Nuances of sealing of holes
All the holes drilled in the transom must be carefully sealed, use a polyurethane sealant or a special metal adhesive sealant, apply the sealant not only to the bolt thread, but also to the cap and under the washer, which will create a double barrier to water and prevent electrochemical corrosion.
Manufacture of homemade tractors and alternatives
For those who prefer to do everything DIY or do not want to spend money on expensive kits, there is an option to make homemade tractors, using stainless steel or duraluminium pipes, as well as ball tips from cars, which can even be more reliable than normal if done properly.
The main challenge here is to ensure the necessary rigidity and the absence of backlashes in the joints. The tractors must be thick enough not to bend under load, but not to weight the stern of the boat. Often a scheme is used with one central thrust and two lateral, connected by a rocking board.
- 🔸 Use of pipes with a diameter of 16-20 mm to ensure rigidity.
- 🔸 Use of spherical bearings or high-quality steering tips.
- 🔸 Accurate fit of the length of thrusts to exclude distortions.
The alternative is to use prefabricated components from other equipment, such as motorcycle steering columns or agricultural machinery, but the integration of such units requires high engineering skills and welding work. Homemade steering It requires regular checks for fatigue cracks in the metal.
Cheap metals can burst at the most inopportune moment, so it's best for responsible assemblies to use proven grades of steel and alloys, even if it increases the cost of construction.
The quality of the homemade steering units has a direct impact on safety, and if you are not confident or do not have the necessary equipment to accurately handle the metal, it is better to purchase a ready-made certified kit.
Steering maintenance and care
Regular maintenance extends the life of the steering and ensures safety on the water. After each release into salt water, the system must be rinsed with fresh water. This simple action prevents the accumulation of salts and corrosion of metal parts.
Once a season, it is recommended to carry out a full lubrication of all mobile joints. For cable systems, there are special lubricants that are not washed away with water and retain their properties over a wide range of temperatures. The gearbox also requires periodic (periodic inspection) and replacement of lubrication if necessary.
Visual examination of the cable for damage to the shell should be mandatory. If you notice sticking out metal threads or scuffs, the cable should be replaced immediately, operation of the damaged cable can lead to its breakage and loss of control of the boat.
How often should the steering cable be changed?
The life of the cable depends on the intensity of operation and storage conditions. On average, a quality cable lasts 5-7 years. However, if there are signs of jamming, rust or damage to the shell, replacement is required immediately, regardless of the service life.
Can I install an electric power steering on the MCM?
This is theoretically possible, but requires a complex engineering process, including installing a separate power source and gearbox. For a MCM boat, this is usually impractical because of the high cost and complexity of implementation, it is easier and more reliable to use a properly selected cable mechanism or hydraulics.
What is the turning radius of the cable system on the MCM?
The standard cable system provides an angle of up to 90-95 degrees in each direction, which completely covers the capabilities of the standard system and provides excellent maneuverability even in narrowness.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that the modernization of the steering on the boat MKM It's an investment in comfort and safety, and whether you're on a complete set or a homemade structure, you have to be on top of the quality of the work and the regular maintenance, and a properly functioning steering wheel gives you confidence in driving and you can enjoy your full rest on the water.