1981 classic C-dory 22 foot flat-bottom.

brownbear

My helm gearbox bound-up and broke the pot-metal casing and I need to replace with another of what I believe is the original though it shows no manufacturer's mark except: 309301 DR(space)RSY C-290 M7382
Teleflex makes something similar and is available at WEST MARINE.
Does someone know what I should use? I power with an E-TecH Evinrude 90 HP. Thanks, Brownbear

Catch 22 · Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2011 10:04 pm Post subject:

I used the teleflex no feedback system. It works really well and was easy to install. I run a 90 johnson...

Wandering Sagebrush · Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2011 10:19 pm Post subject:

Now would be a good time to install a hydraulic steering system. The Teleflex NFB systems are less expensive, but I tired quickly of them seizing up every season.

Catch 22 · Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2011 10:52 pm Post subject:

mine has not locked up ever, where does it get sticky, I'll have to keep an eye on mine...

Wandering Sagebrush · Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2011 12:07 am Post subject:

brownbear · Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2011 1:13 am Post subject:

Thanks to all for responding to my needs--I must now make a decision--manual or hydraulic? I will call West Marine for detail specs--though model: 275784 Safe-T Rotary Helm for $132.99 seems right as a replacement but will ask first. Eaglebrownbear

brownbear · Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2011 1:38 am Post subject: classic c-dory helm

Thanks Thomas Elliott. I'll call you if I can use your old helm--I may not need cables. eaglebrownbear

Jack in Alaska · Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2011 1:53 pm Post subject:

brownbear............

I would highly suggest not going cheap on steering. I also highly recommend switching to hydraulic. I did on my 83 Classic and it solved all of the yearly sticking problems as well as providing a magnitude better control of the boat.
I had to remove the engine to get the new steering into the tilt tube as there is not enough clearance between hole in the motor splash well and the tilt tube.
Think about losing your steering when out in rough seas many miles from port. Not a pretty thought.
Good luck.

rogerbum · Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2011 2:22 pm Post subject:

As an aside, I have thought about potentially losing steering many miles from port. While this doesn't address this particular question, there are a few ways to potentially deal with such an issue all of which involve manual steering. Obviously if one has a kicker, one can get the main(s) line up strait and use the kicker to steer. The other option is to lash/duct tape, a long handled object to the main and steer it manually (after disconnecting the stuck cable). I seem to remember someone on this board who did just that with a paddle and some duct tape. Anyway, it is something to consider.

One more thing, the cable steering tends to get stuck when it spends a long period of time without use. On my 22 I never had a problem as long as I was using the boat at least monthly all through the winter. However, if I let it sit for several months, that's when I had a problem. It's a good idea to go out in the winter months and turn the wheel a few times every couple of weeks to keep things loose. Also, and this is most important, check to make sure the steering is loose PRIOR to pushing off a dock at launch (especially that first launch of the year). It can be really difficult if you've pushed off the dock in tight quarters in a marina or at a launch and then realize you have no steering. I found this out the hard way but was lucky that the steering broke loose with lots of force from the wheel.

T.R. Bauer · Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2011 3:41 pm Post subject:

If you only knew the trouble I went through with my twin 45s and cable steering......It was hellish.

C-Otter · Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2011 3:51 pm Post subject:

Cable steering must be for fresh water only, mine is 25 years old, sits 6 months of the year and works like a charm. No salt ever. C-Otter

brownbear · Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2011 5:13 pm Post subject:

Good advise Jack-in-AK, As a matter of fact my steering gearbox casing (cast pot-metal) broke out just after running 3 foot whitecaps during the second-hour current and wind driven tide change--so I was lucky! No prior warnings either.
What exactly is the TILT-TUBE you mentioned? Juneau, brownbear

Jack in Alaska · Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2011 10:37 pm Post subject:

brownbear..........

The tilt tube is the tube(pipe) that the motor hinges on and the steering goes though. In salt water that whole thing gets "munged up" and corrodes with out use. Turn the steering monthly several times to keep it free.
That removing the engine thing is only applicable to the pre 1987 flat bottom with the narrow splash well box.

brownbear · Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2011 1:44 am Post subject: more on steering system

Thanks, Jackinalaska, hadn't the opportunity before to know the correct name for this particular part. brownbear