16' Angler Mechanical Steering

J

Jazzmanic

New member
I believe I have Morse mechanical steering on my 1989 16' Angler. I noticed that it's very hard to steer at trolling speeds, especially while turning. It turns fine while running at normal speeds. It makes it harder than I'd like to steer while trolling for salmon. Especially when tied with a connector rod to the main motor.

Is this usual for mechanical steering? I'm curious because I've always been lucky in having hydraulic steering (with AP) on C-Dancer, our 22' Cruiser.
 
You can turn our 16C's wheel with one finger at trolling speeds. I would wonder if you have a lubrication or wear issue somewhere?
 
Wow, ramos, what kind of steering do you have? Hydraulic? Remember, my boat is 21 years old.

David, good to know. I probably won't be investing in hydraulic right now but that sounds like a good idea.

I am wondering if I need to clean it out a little. It was hard to turn at trolling speed last Saturday.

Peter
 
My 1990 angler started getting hard to turn this year also. I got back from my Canada fishing trip last week and pulled the cable and helm unit out of the boat. It was getting a little rusty in the tube on the outboard which seemed to be the problem but the steering was getting sloppy anyway so I figured the helm was also getting pretty worn out too after 20 years. I order a new Teleflex helm and cable kit from West Marine ($180 + tax) that is supposed to arrive Thursday.

It was pretty easy to remove. If you decide to replace it I can share the steps I went through to remove it.

Al
 
Not sure of the brand but, would guess it is Teleflex. Yes, it is mechanical. The only time the helm gets heavy is if I'm way out of trim.
 
Well I attempted to install the new steering today but ran into a snag. I was hoping to use the existing 20 degree bezel to mount the helm (steering gear box) on but the new helm won't mount on it. The new steering kit came with a 90 degree bezel which won't work with the c-dory dash either.
So I just ordered a 20 degree bezel which should fix the problem.

I think I read that it took someone 4 weeks to install their new steering and I think I'm on par with that! Oh well, I've got plenty of fish in the freezer.

Al
 
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