Steering design fault ?

Discussion in 'Powerboats' started by Vronsky, Feb 20, 2021.

  1. Vronsky
    Joined: Apr 2014
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    Location: Amsterdam

    Vronsky Junior Member

    Dear All,
    Here's a picture of how the mechanical steering cable is attached to the OB on my Jeanneau boat >

    20190907_170522.jpg

    On the left, you see the cable coming out of the splashwell side. It makes a small curve to the tilt tube. Because of this curve, the ram cannot be taken out of the tilt tube, unless the engine is detached from the mounts.

    In order to take the ram out of the tilt tube (for periodical cleaning/greasing as specified by Seastar) the cable needs to be attached in a straight line, without that curve. To resolve this problem, a new opening in the splashwell needs to be created directly opposite the tilt tube. Here's a picture where the little spot (laser pointer) indicates more-or less where that new opening would come >

    20210220_130608.jpg

    I wonder if creating a new opening (2 inches) on that spot is feasible as it is very close to the edge where the splashwell corners with the stern.
    Appears to me like a design fault, and I even wonder if a hydraulic system would be the proper solution for this situation.
    What's your opinion ?

    Big thanks,
    V.
     
  2. Barry
    Joined: Mar 2002
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    Barry Senior Member

    Have you checked your manual? Normally there are three zerks in that area, two for the tilt and one for the steering.
    What year is your engine.
     
  3. Vronsky
    Joined: Apr 2014
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    Location: Amsterdam

    Vronsky Junior Member

    Thanks...but I don't follow
    Motor is a 2017 Suzuki DF115a, steering is a mono cable type Seastar NFB Safe T 2
     
  4. gonzo
    Joined: Aug 2002
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    gonzo Senior Member

    fallguy and Jimboat like this.
  5. Barry
    Joined: Mar 2002
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    Barry Senior Member

    Most engines have 3 grease nipples on close to the steering tube
    One on each side for the pivot and one for the steering tube, wondered if you had checked the manual in case you have not found the one for the steering. On some engines, you have to remove the cowl to see it
    and sometimes they are the type that are not a grease nipple but an inverted dome that you need a special adapter to go on the end of your grease gun
     
  6. Vronsky
    Joined: Apr 2014
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    Vronsky Junior Member

    There are two grease nipples on the swivel bracket, on both ends of the tilt tube.
    Are you saying that these nipples grease the tilt tube, so the ram doesn't need to be taken out periodically, as the Seastar manual specifies ?

    THANKS
     
  7. Vronsky
    Joined: Apr 2014
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    Location: Amsterdam

    Vronsky Junior Member

    Any idea how to replace the grommet without engine removal ...?
    To get the cable aligned properly, the route of the cable will become a bit longer, so maybe needs a new cable I guess.
    Does your oblong grommet keep the water out ??

    Thanks
     
  8. Barry
    Joined: Mar 2002
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    Barry Senior Member

    No, the two on the bracket are for the tilt hinge. But most outboard manufacturers have a third that will provide a port to the grease when the ram is extended.
     
  9. Vronsky
    Joined: Apr 2014
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    Location: Amsterdam

    Vronsky Junior Member

    There is indeed a third port, but that one greases the swivel hinge.
     

  10. gonzo
    Joined: Aug 2002
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    Location: Milwaukee, WI

    gonzo Senior Member

    You can cut the grommet and glue the ends together.
     
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