Boat Steering Systems

Marine Articles >Steering and Navigation > Boat Steering Systems

The two basic types of boat steering systems for boats with outboards or stern drives are cable systems and hydraulic systems. Cable systems operate in a push-pull manner with a jacketed cable sliding through a guide tube that is secured on both ends. When the driver turns the steering wheel, actual cables control the outboard or stern drive, which dictate the direction of the boat. Hydraulic systems are made up of helm units, cylinders, and hoses and tubes.

Selecting a Cable Steering System for Your Boat
There are two types of cable systems available, rotary steering systems and rack and pinion steering systems. The space behind the console determines whether you would pick a rotary or rack and pinion system. Teleflex Morse manufactures both types. Rotary systems are available in either standard or no-feedback (NFB) versions, the latter being for higher horsepower performance applications (150 HP and higher). Rack and pinion systems are also available in either standard or no-feedback versions but require more space behind the steering console to accommodate the long bar that serves as the rack. Rack and pinion systems can also be used for high-performance applications. Both types of systems have single or dual cable models available. No-feedback steering is available for high-speed boats, as are dual cables, which are used on ultra-high-performance boats such as bass boats, which reach speeds of 80 mph.

Selecting a Hydraulic Steering System for Your Boat
It is essential to choose a hydraulic steering system that is appropriate for your engine type and horsepower, and so the first step towards selecting the right steering system is identifying what you currently have. The Teleflex Morse BayStar system is ideal for boats with 150 HP or less. The Teleflex Morse SeaStar steering system is ideal for boats with engines of 150 HP to 400 HP. If you own a boat with a 300 HP or stronger engine, the Teleflex Morse SeaStar steering system makes an excellent choice. SeaStar can be used with inboard, outboard, and sterndrive engines. No-feedback steering is also desirable for engines of this horsepower.

The Teleflex Morse BayStar steering system is more appropriate for boats with engines up to 150 HP. These are small- to mid-size boats. As you can see, a wide variety of steering systems are available for boats of all sizes and power ratings. As a general rule, replace rotary with rotary, rack with rack, and hydraulic with hydraulic systems whenever possible. No matter what size boat you own or how it is powered, Go2Marine has a steering system that will work perfectly for you. Visit www.go2marine.com for all your boating parts and accessories.