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Author Topic:   13-footer: Steering Upgrade and Console

BobL posted 03-10-2010 09:58 PM ET (US)
Just bought a 1973 13-foot Boston Whaler boat with the very small sport console and a [wire rope and pulley] steering system. I want to update the steering system to Teleflex. Will a Teleflex system fit inside such a small console? The console is the only part of the mahogany that needs to be replaced. I could build the new console any size but would prefer to keep the look as close to original as possible.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2709/4424015264_de3d0185c6.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4021/4424015346_de9a98d13f.jpg

Fishmore posted 03-11-2010 12:39 AM ET (US)
Bob, congratulations on the new boat it looks like it is in very good shape for it's age. About 10 posts down from yours is the information you want to read "Upgrading Steering on Older 13-foot Boston Whaler Boats".
rong posted 03-11-2010 01:21 PM ET (US)
Hey Bob,
I have a 79 13 sport. Same configuration as yours. Here's a break down of what I have and maybe this will help.
Teleflex Cable: TEL-SSC6109 Length 9 ft.
Teleflex Helm: TEL-SH5094
Teleflex Bezel: TEL-SB27483 20 degree bezel
It's fairly easy to upgrade. Just remove your current steering system. The only thing I'm not sure of is if you can use your current steering wheel. I have a destroyer wheel on my boat. The cable steering may have been okay in the 60s and 70s. But in my opinion the Teleflex system is far superior.
If you need some pictures for reference just let me know and I will email you a few.
Good luck
Tohsgib posted 03-11-2010 01:44 PM ET (US)
If you wish you can make your console wider as well. I put a 15' console in my 13' just to give me more room and get me out of sitting to one side so much.
contender posted 03-11-2010 05:41 PM ET (US)
Tohsgib is correct, I had a wider console made for my 11' Whaler so that I could fit the teleflex steering under it. I offset the steering to the center of the boat a little more so you are not so close to the side of the boat. I think my cable was only a 6 or 7 foot. Do you want to sell the all parts for the wire steering send me an e-mail...thanks
BobL posted 03-11-2010 09:16 PM ET (US)
The consensus seems to be to go with a wider console. I appreciate the many thoughtful points to consider. My original thought was the need for more room for the Teleflex cable. Another important consideration is the comfort of not being squished to the starboard side. I’ll try a search for the dimensions of the console from a 15’ sport. That should keep the look somewhat original. They don’t look too hard to make.
I also appreciate the Teleflex part numbers. I already have a good source for a new steering wheel to match up with the helm and bezel. I would like to see pictures of the larger consoles in a 13. I’m wondering if a new console attachment point to the floor, closer to the center of the boat, will still have wood to screw into.

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Author	Topic: 13-footer: Steering Upgrade and Console
BobL	posted 03-10-2010 09:58 PM ET (US) Just bought a 1973 13-foot Boston Whaler boat with the very small sport console and a [wire rope and pulley] steering system. I want to update the steering system to Teleflex. Will a Teleflex system fit inside such a small console? The console is the only part of the mahogany that needs to be replaced. I could build the new console any size but would prefer to keep the look as close to original as possible. http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2709/4424015264_de3d0185c6.jpg http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4021/4424015346_de9a98d13f.jpg
Fishmore	posted 03-11-2010 12:39 AM ET (US) Bob, congratulations on the new boat it looks like it is in very good shape for it's age. About 10 posts down from yours is the information you want to read "Upgrading Steering on Older 13-foot Boston Whaler Boats".
rong	posted 03-11-2010 01:21 PM ET (US) Hey Bob, I have a 79 13 sport. Same configuration as yours. Here's a break down of what I have and maybe this will help. Teleflex Cable: TEL-SSC6109 Length 9 ft. Teleflex Helm: TEL-SH5094 Teleflex Bezel: TEL-SB27483 20 degree bezel It's fairly easy to upgrade. Just remove your current steering system. The only thing I'm not sure of is if you can use your current steering wheel. I have a destroyer wheel on my boat. The cable steering may have been okay in the 60s and 70s. But in my opinion the Teleflex system is far superior. If you need some pictures for reference just let me know and I will email you a few. Good luck
Tohsgib	posted 03-11-2010 01:44 PM ET (US) If you wish you can make your console wider as well. I put a 15' console in my 13' just to give me more room and get me out of sitting to one side so much.
contender	posted 03-11-2010 05:41 PM ET (US) Tohsgib is correct, I had a wider console made for my 11' Whaler so that I could fit the teleflex steering under it. I offset the steering to the center of the boat a little more so you are not so close to the side of the boat. I think my cable was only a 6 or 7 foot. Do you want to sell the all parts for the wire steering send me an e-mail...thanks
BobL	posted 03-11-2010 09:16 PM ET (US) The consensus seems to be to go with a wider console. I appreciate the many thoughtful points to consider. My original thought was the need for more room for the Teleflex cable. Another important consideration is the comfort of not being squished to the starboard side. I’ll try a search for the dimensions of the console from a 15’ sport. That should keep the look somewhat original. They don’t look too hard to make. I also appreciate the Teleflex part numbers. I already have a good source for a new steering wheel to match up with the helm and bezel. I would like to see pictures of the larger consoles in a 13. I’m wondering if a new console attachment point to the floor, closer to the center of the boat, will still have wood to screw into.