The question of comfort and safety of the watercraft management arises before every owner of an inflatable vessel planning to install an engine with a capacity of more than 5 hp. Steering console It becomes more than just a tuning element, it becomes a necessity for confident driving at high speeds and in difficult weather conditions, and a properly installed steering wheel allows the operator to control the thrust vector with minimal effort, freeing the second hand for other tasks.
The modernization process requires careful preparation and understanding of the design of your own. PVC In this article, we will discuss all the steps of the work, and errors in the stage of marking or selection of fasteners can lead to deformation of the transom board or, worse, violation of the sealing of the hull.
Choosing the optimal steering designBefore you start physical work, you need to decide on the type of console that will suit your boat. The market offers many options, from simple bars with a steering wheel to full cabinets with a dashboard and a place under the control. sounderFor boats up to 3.5 meters long, lightweight aluminum or plastic structures are most often chosen that do not overload the transom.
Larger models such as Cayman. or FlagshipThey are often equipped with reinforced transmuters that can withstand the weight of a full rack. It is important to consider not only the dimensions, but also the way of attaching to the inflatable floor: some models require rigid fixation, others rely on cylinders through soft pads.
- 🛡️ Shell material: Powder-painted aluminum is the most durable, plastic is lighter, but can burn out in the sun.
- ⚓ Type of attachment: There are models with a fixation only on a transom and combined versions with a support on the floor.
- 📏 Dimensions of the steering wheel: The diameter of the stormshaft affects the ease of operation; the standard is 13-14 inches.
Necessary tools and componentsTo perform the installation, you will need a set of specialized tools. You should not rely on a random set from the garage, since you work with composite materials of transom and transom. stainless-steel Pay special attention to the quality of drills and sealing compounds.
You'll need an electric drill with a speed regulator, a set of metal and wood drills, and a crown to drill holes for devices if the console provides them. To work with the fastener, prepare a set of carob and cap keys, as well as screwdrivers with magnetic tips, so as not to drop parts into the water.
| Tool/Material | Appointment | Important nuances |
|---|---|---|
| Cobalt drill 4-6 mm | Drilling of the transmutation board | Do not overheat, use low speeds |
| Polyurethane sealant | Waterproofing of anchorages | Must be compatible with PVC and wood |
| A4 fastener (stainless steel) | Fixing the elements | You need to use a grover puck |
| Degreaser | Surface preparation | Acetone or specialized solvent |
Preparation of transom and marking of holesThe most important step is the marking. Any shift in the steering wheel axis relative to the engine's lower unit will result in uneven tension of the cables and, as a result, the steering wheel will stick to the extreme positions. First, set the motor on a transom and lock it in the operating position to understand the geometry of the interaction of thrust and the ramp.
Put the console on the traverse board and pencil the centers of future holes. Make sure that the height of the mounting of the helm allows you to comfortably control the boat both sitting and standing. Often you need to shift the mounting point of the thrust on the motor itself, for which you use an extension cord or move the thrust to another hole on the bracket. Tohatsu or Yamaha.
⚠️ Warning: Before drilling, be sure to remove the engine and disconnect the fuel hose. Vibration when working with the drill can damage the carburetor or ignition system if the engine is installed.
To protect the wooden part of the transom from moisture, which will inevitably penetrate through the holes, the ends of the drill must be treated abundantly with epoxy resin or special varnish for boats. This will create a barrier to prevent plywood from swelling and stratification. fiberglass.
Installation of the console and sealing of connectionsThe installation process begins with the application of a sealant. Use a high-elasticity polyurethane sealant that retains its properties when in constant contact with water and ultraviet. Apply a layer of sealant on the back of the console and around the drilled holes on the transom.
Put the console in place and tighten the bolts. Don't pull the fastener over at once: first let the sealant spread a little under pressure, then evenly tighten all the bolts diagonally. Excess sealant, exposed to the outside, you need to immediately remove with a spatula or a rag, soaked in soapy solution, so that they do not freeze with ugly infusions.
☑️ Installation check
If you're installing a windshield console, make sure the glass mounts are also sealed. Vibration on glides can shake even tightly seated elements. Check the reliability of the battery fixation so that it does not shift when rolling.
Installation of the steering cable and settingThe steering gear mounting is a fine tuning of the mechanics of the steering cable (e.g., systems). Rack or No FeedbackThe minimum radius of the cable bending is usually 15-20 cm; violation of this rule will lead to rapid destruction of the inner shell and jamming.
Connect the cable to the steering wheel and the thrust of the tube. The tension should be such that there is no backlash, but there is no lifting. Check the steering wheel from side to side: it should be smooth, without jerks and creaks. If the cable bypasses structural elements, use plastic clamps or special clips for fixation, avoiding metal contact with the structure. PVC cylinders.
Secrets of cable lubrication
To extend the life of the cable system, use silicone lubricant. Do not apply lithium lubricants (Litol-24) inside the cable braid, as they thicken in the cold and collect abrasive dust, which accelerates wear.
Often there is a situation when the length of a standard cable (usually 3 meters) is not enough due to the peculiarities of the layout, in this case you can buy a tubel lengthener or replace the cable with a longer analogue, for example, from the mains. TeleflexMake sure that when the motor is completely turned, the rope does not stretch into the string, leave a small range.
Final testing and testing on the waterAfter drying the sealant (usually 24 hours at room temperature), you can start tests. First, do a static check: spin the steering wheel left and right to the stop several times. The mechanism should work silently. Then, already on the water, but without the motor turning on, rock the boat, simulating a wave, and check if the backlash appears in the mounts.
First exit on the engine at low speeds. Sharp turns at high speed from the habit can lead to overkill or throwing the passenger overboard. Smoothness is the main criterion for success. Pay attention to the engine: if the steering wheel is moving, the engine speeds float, perhaps squeeze the fuel hose or the cable goes too close to the lower unit.
To protect the threaded joints from corrosion in salt water, use copper lubricant or special spray preservatives. Rinse the entire steering mechanism with fresh water regularly after each foray into the sea.
Frequent errors in installationOne of the most common mistakes is saving on fasteners. Using conventional ferrous metal instead of stainless steel A4 (316) will lead to the fact that after the season bolts rust and “stick” to aluminum, making dismantling impossible without destroying the structure.
Another problem is that you don't choose the right place to attach the cable to the motor, and if the lever shoulder is too short, you'll have to put a lot of effort into turning the motor, which will negate the whole point of mounting the steering wheel, and vice versa, too long a shoulder can lead to insufficient cornering.
⚠️ Warning: Never use wood screws to fix the console. Vibration and dynamic plane loads quickly shake such a connection, which can cause the console to tear off along with the engine.
Owners also often forget about the organization of space inside the console, wires from navigation, sonar sensors and lighting must be laid in a corrugated tube and fixed so as not to rub against the moving parts of the steering mechanism.
Can I install a steering console on a boat without a hard transom?
Installing a full-fledged console on a soft transom is highly discouraged, the soft base will not withstand the loads and vibrations, which will lead to deformation of cylinders and loss of control. There are special removable mounting systems for such boats, but they are less reliable.
What is the turning radius of a standard steering cable?
Standard mechanical cables (Rack or Rotary) typically provide 3-3.5 rotations of the steering wheel from side to side, which corresponds to a 30-35 degree angle of rotation of the engine's lower unit each way, which is optimal for most outboard motors.
Do I need to clean the steering before every trip?
Regular lubrication is not required before each trip if a quality sealant and anthers are used, however, once a season or after winter storage, it is recommended to conduct an audit, clean the exposed parts of dirt and apply a fresh layer of silicone lubricant to the movable units.
Does the installation of the console affect the speed of the boat?
The console itself does not affect the fluid dynamics of the body, as it is above the waterline. However, the additional weight (5-10 kg) on the transom can slightly change the differentiation. Proper installation will allow better control of the motor, which indirectly helps to keep the boat on the plane more efficiently.
The quality of the sealing and the proper alignment of the cable are two of the major factors that determine the durability and safety of your steering system. Don't skimp on materials.