CONTINUOUSWAVE

What steering system is recommended for a 2005 180 DAUNTLESS to replace the original mechanical steering?

What length of cable is needed?

What retail vendor is recommended

The steering wheel now has a tilt feature that I do not want to lose.

A similar project was described in detail in an earlier thread. See

160 DAUNTLESS Hydraulic Steering Upgrade
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=3456

Since no information has been provided about the engine power involved, no particular steering system can be recommended for the 180 DAUNTLESS upgrade.

For engines of 150-HP or less the BAYSTAR system from SeaStar Solutions would be a good choice for hydraulic steering.

For engine of more than 150-HP there are other systems from SeaStar Solutions for hydraulic steering that would be a good choice.

SeaStar Solutions does not sell directly to boaters. Their products are widely carried by large distributors and local stores.

Cable lengths needed should be determined by actual measurement in preference to accepting recommendations from others.

Tilt steering wheel features are usually possible to add to most systems.

Contact Sea Star Solutions to discuss their recommended solutions for your steering upgrade. You can find more information about SeaStar Solution hydraulic steering products from their website.

ASIDE: I don't care if this topic has already been discussed on a hundred other forums. When a person asks a question on the continuouswave forum, they can expect to get advice from participants in this forum. The existence of a discussion on another forum does not in any way foreclose the same topic from being discussed here.

An option worth exploring is an all electric replacement steering system. Dometic Optimus has recently introduced such a system for use with 150 HP and larger outboard engines. From what I have read the system is more expensive than a hydraulic system but provides some extra benefits for the higher cost. Details are available at http://www.dometic.com and a discussion of the system is at http://www.panbo.com.

Just replace the cable and use the existing helm.

The cable is a Teleflex unit, now owned and marketed by Seastar Solutions.

The model number for the teleflex cable is stamped on the end of the sheath in the console. Remove the cable (pull the pin) from the helm and then use model number to browse online retailer or your local chandlery.

https://www.wholesalemarine.com/safe-t-qc-steering-cable-79346.html
https://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=98166&familyName=Teleflex+Seastar+Safe-T+QC+Steering+Cables+%28New+Version%29