Rotary Steering System on 1967 13-footer

Repair or modification of Boston Whaler boats, their engines, trailers, and gear
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dg22
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Rotary Steering System on 1967 13-footer

Postby dg22 » Sun Jan 06, 2019 3:38 pm

I'd like to replace the original [wire rope and pulley] steering with a mechanical cable steering system on my 1967 13-footer with a 1973 Evinrude 50-HP.

I've been looking at the Teleflex SS137 Safe-T kit ($250 CDN), the Teleflex NFB Safe-T II kit ($325 CDN), and also the Uflex Rotech kit ($283 CDN).

Do readers have thoughts on which one would be best?

In your reply Consider that I have the original sized SPORT console.

Also, I noticed you can buy an optional 20 degree bezel ($42 CDN) which I'm thinking would give me the same angle on the steering wheel that I have now. The bezel that comes with the steering system kit is a 90 degree bezel but I like the idea of a 20 degree one.

Has the 20 degree bezel been used before on a SPORT 13 conversion to mechanical cable steering?

Also, will my original steering wheel work with these steering systems?

I have the original white 1967 steering wheel which is in great shape.

Last year I installed a tilt and trim unit with a 6-inch setback. I took measurements, and with the 6-inch setback and cable through the tilt tube, it looks like I need a 10-foot cable. With the setback, the motor tilt tube sits about level with the high point of the transom sides so that is why I'm thinking to use the cable through tilt tube option versus transom cable mount.

PatSea
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Re: Rotary Steering System on 1967 13-footer

Postby PatSea » Mon Jan 07, 2019 6:03 pm

I have a [1972] SPORT13. I just replaced the original wire rope and pulley steering with the Teleflex NFB SAF-T-II steering--it works great.

I was unable to use the through-the-tilt-tube on the outboard because of the curve in the transom, so I used a stainless steel offset bracket.

My original plastic steering wheel was broken but it would not have fit the steering system. I put on a new destroyer-type steering wheel with a knob.

I originally bought the 9-foot steering cable but had to return it for an 8-foot cable.

And, yes, I installed the 20-degree bezel on top of the console, and it looks and works great.

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dg22
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Re: Rotary Steering System on 1967 13-footer

Postby dg22 » Tue Jan 08, 2019 12:07 am

PatSea, thanks for the feedback. Interesting that the 8 foot cable worked for your 72 13 Sport. I think I'll re-measure in the Spring before ordering. With the tilt and trim 6 inch set back and they say to add 6 inches if you are using the through tilt tube option so 9 foot would be minimum for my boat. My measurement came out to 10 feet but I'll double check that. Glad to hear the 20 degree bezel worked great and you are happy with the Teleflex NFB Safe-T II system.

PatSea
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Re: Rotary Steering System on 1967 13-footer

Postby PatSea » Tue Jan 08, 2019 6:57 am

Yes I would remeasure cable length. I measured cable length per the instructions and it came out to needing 9 feet, but that was too long. 8 foot works for me but again I did not go through the tilt tube. Also, double check that you can actually use the tilt tube. I could not due to the curvature of the transom and the notch in the transom. Also keep in mind there are some differences in the width of the helms that could affect the cable length.

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dg22
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Re: Rotary Steering System on 1967 13-footer

Postby dg22 » Tue Jan 08, 2019 9:50 am

Because of the set-back (tilt/trim) bracket that I have for my outboard engine, the engine is raised enough that the cable will clear the high point of the transom. And since the engine is set-back 6-inches from the transom there should be no interference. Thank you for the note on differences in helms. I'll keep that in mind when measuring.

jimh
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Re: Rotary Steering System on 1967 13-footer

Postby jimh » Tue Jan 08, 2019 11:16 am

Most of the newer helm steering wheel systems use a more-or-less standard 3/4-inch tapered shaft for attachment of the wheel to the helm.

Image
Typical tapered shaft and key found on many modern small boat steering helm systems.

Don't throw out the steering wheel, pulleys, helm, springs, and other fittings from the original wire rope and pulley steering. There are often people looking for those parts to restore old 13-footers.

And PATSEA--great information you provided. I am certain that will be extremely helpful to others.

DG22--when you complete the installation of the new helm and cables, please show us some illustrations of your work. It sounds like a nice project.

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dg22
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Re: Rotary Steering System on 1967 13-footer

Postby dg22 » Tue Jan 08, 2019 2:05 pm

Thanks Jim. I'll check out the shaft size on the old helm to see if the original steering wheel will fit. Will do. I'll put the old cable steering system up for sale and I'll post pics in the spring when I get the new console built and new steering system installed.

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dg22
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Re: Rotary Steering System on 1967 13-footer

Postby dg22 » Sun May 26, 2019 9:46 pm

Here are some pictures of the finished project. I ended up finding a new old stock Safe-T rotary steering kit with a 10 foot cable and a steering wheel for $120 on Kijiji. I built a new console for the new steering helm. Since there was some slack with the 10 foot cable, I moved up the console by about 3 inches. I have the 6" setback trim unit so I used the cable through tilt tube method. I also built a new new front seat.

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dg22
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Re: Rotary Steering System on 1967 13-footer

Postby dg22 » Sun May 26, 2019 9:51 pm

Here is a pic of the steering helm bracket installed.

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PatSea
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Re: Rotary Steering System on 1967 13-footer

Postby PatSea » Mon May 27, 2019 9:05 pm

Nicely done dg. I recently did a similar conversion on my 13

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dg22
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Re: Rotary Steering System on 1967 13-footer

Postby dg22 » Tue May 28, 2019 11:06 am

Thanks, there was definitely a learning curve with a few things. Having the old console to use as a template helped a lot and I was able to source mahogany close by. Thanks again everyone for the feedback.

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dg22
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Re: Rotary Steering System on 1967 13-footer

Postby dg22 » Mon Jun 24, 2019 10:14 am

My brother gave me a Boston whaler destroyer steering wheel for my birthday on the weekend. A very nice touch to finish off this project.

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