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Boat Steering Cable Dashboard Module Tilt Kit
Mechanical Steering Parts Rack & Pinion System
Rotary Cable Steering System Adapter & Connection Kit

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Boat Mechanical Steering System Tutorial




Big-T® Rotary Steering


The Original Teleflex Steering System! For over 35 years, Big-T® has been the most durable, versatile mechanical steering system made, with both single and dual station capability. The heavy duty helm incorporates a strong steel pinion, dual diecast gears and meaty shaft bearing supports, all encased in a rugged gear housing. It’s no wonder owners of small inboards have counted on the Teleflex Big-T since 1963!

Applications

Inboards up to 34 feet. Also suitable for sterndrive boats with power-assisted steering. Big-T systems accept steering wheels up to 20” diameter. Single system uses Teleflex SSC61 type cable. Dual system uses a special-order, non-returnable type cable SSC81AxxBxx.

Features

• Available in single or dual station versions.
• Responsive 3 turns from lock-to-lock.
• Standard 3/4” round tapered steering wheel shaft.
• Stainless steel cable output ends.
• 2-piece bezel for 90° or 20° helm mount to dash.
• Optional 1-piece 90° bezel for compact mounting.
• Meets A.B.Y.C. standards.• Meets N.M.M.A. certification requirements.

Dashboard Module Tilt Kit

For all types of engines including Outboard, Power-Assisted Stern Drive, non power-assisted Sterndrive and Inboard. Teleflex Tilt Steering brings comfort and convenience to any boat. Tilt steering allows adjustment of the wheel to suit nearly any physique and driving position. The Dashboard Module kit includes a Tilt helm, Tilt mechanism, mounting hardware and instructions.

Features

• 5 adjustment positions in 12º increments.
• Attractive rugged design
• Models available for nearly all Teleflex steering systems
• Standard 3/4” tapered steering shafts
• Meets/exceeds applicable requirements

HPS™ Rack and Pinion

HPS™ Rack by Teleflex is the best 4-turn way to steer a power-assisted sterndrive or outboard! Ideal for small inboards too, HPS reduces backlash (free-play at the wheel) associated with power steered boats by up to 50%! A great choice for ski boats, too!

Applications

HPS™ Rack is ideal for all power-assisted sterndrives that can accept a mechanical steering cable and have adequate room for a rack & pinion steering cable behind the dash. It replaces most standard Teleflex Rack & Pinion steering without dash modifications. HPS Rack is available in single cable configuration and is for single station use only. It accepts wheels up to 16” diameter.

Features

• Designed for boats with power-assisted steering.
• Unique TFXtreme core steering cable technology delivers incredible response and minimal lost motion.
• Precise, 4-turn response of Rack & Pinion steering.
• Designed to handle normal steering loads.
• Standard 3/4” tapered steering wheel shaft.
• Stainless steel cable output ends.
• Fast, easy installation.
• Meets A.B.Y.C. standards.
• Meets N.M.M.A. certification requirements..

HPS™ Rotary

HPS™ Rotary High Performance Steering by Teleflex is the best 3-turn way to steer a power-assisted sterndrive! Designed exclusively for power-steered boats, HPS reduces backlash (free-play at the wheel) associated with power steered boats by up to 50%!

Applications

HPS™ Rotary is ideal for all power-assisted sterndrives that can accept a mechanical steering cable. It replaces standard current generation Safe-T® steering without dash modifications and most other rotary steering systems with minimal dash modifications. HPS Rotary is available in single cable configuration and is for single station use only. It accepts wheels up to 16” diameter.

Features

• Designed for boats with power-assisted steering.
• Unique 3-turn helm with planetary gears and coated helical steering cable combine to deliver a compact helm with incredible response and minimal lost motion.
• HPS Rotary helms fit standard Teleflex dash cutouts: either Safe-T/Rotary NFB or Tilt.
• Compact helm takes up little room behind the dash.
• Designed to handle normal steering loads.
• Standard 3/4” tapered steering wheel shaft.
• Stainless steel cable output ends.
• Fast, easy installation.
• Meets A.B.Y.C. standards.
• Meets N.M.M.A. certification requirements.

JBS Jet Boat

Designed exclusively for Jet boats featuring a choice of two steering arc angles 135º or 270º lock to lock. Teleflex Jet boat steering is recommended in all Jet boat applications powered by Mercury Sport Jet and OMC turbo Jet up to 175 HP.

Features

• Ultra compact helm with stylish 4.4” bezel
• 135º or 270º turning arc lock-to- lock
• 90º straight or 180º cable entry options allow for alternate cable routing
• Standard 3/4” tapered steering shaft
• Uses SSC219XX steering cable available in 1ft increments
• Tilt helm available
• Built-in steering stops prevent additional cable stress in hard over positions
• Easy to install
• Stainless steel cable output ends
• SSC219 cable measures from end to end

NFB™ 4.2 Tilt Rotary

Patented No FeedBack Control — PLUS THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR TILT STEERING! You get Tilt Steering, the advantage of 4.2 turns lock-to-lock and our patented No FeedBack steering to lock out steering loads! Teleflex’s 4.2 Rotary NFB Tilt Kit puts all the latest mechanical steering technology in one box!

Applications

NFB 4.2 Tilt single-cable systems are suitable for most single-station boats with a single non-power-assisted outboard or stern drive engines up to V-6 and minimal engine flutter or steering instability. 4.2 Tilt accepts wheels up to 16” diameter. Drop-in replacement for all current generation Teleflex Tilt Steering with no dash modification — and replaces other rotary steering systems with minimal dash modifications.

Features

• Teleflex Tilt Steering with 48° of total adjustment in five 12° positions.
• Patented NFB (No FeedBack™).
• Comfortable 4.2 turns from lock-to-lock.
• Minimal clutch free play.
• Standard 3/4” round tapered steering wheel shaft.
• Stainless steel cable output ends.
• Fast, easy installation: uses Teleflex Quick Connect (QC) steering cable.
• Meets A.B.Y.C. standards.
• Meets N.M.M.A. certification requirements.

NFB™ 4.2 Rotary

(Single System)

Patented No FeedBack Steering Control for about the cost of an old-fashioned steering replacement. With the advantage of 4.2 turns lock-to-lock and our patented No FeedBack steering to lock out steering loads, Teleflex’s 4.2 Rotary NFB Steering is the ideal single-cable system for most non-power-steered boats. The helm is a drop-in replacement for current generation Safe-T with no dash modifications required.

Applications (Single System)

NFB 4.2 single-cable systems are suitable for most single-station boats with a single non-power-assisted outboard and stern drive engines up to V-6 and minimal engine flutter or steering instability. 4.2 accepts wheels up to 16” diameter. Use dual cable system for boats with engine flutter or steering instability. Replaces nearly all Teleflex Safe-T® steering systems without dash modification.

Features (Single System)

• Patented NFB (No FeedBack™) helm.
• Comfortable 4.2 turns from lock-to-lock.
• Standard 3/4” tapered steering wheel shaft.
• Stainless steel cable output ends.
• Fast, easy installation: uses Teleflex Quick Connect (QC) steering cable.
• Kits include: cable, helm, 90° bezel and hardware.
• Meets A.B.Y.C. standards.
• Meets N.M.M.A. certification requirements.

NFB™ Rack

(Single System)

The easy-to-sell, easy-to-install upgrade to the most popular Rack and Pinion steering system in boating. Teleflex has applied its patented No FeedBack technology to the incredible precision of a rack and pinion system, and engineered-in serious advances in steering comfort and control. And — it’s a drop-in replacement for Teleflex “The Rack”.

Applications (Single System)

NFB Rack single-cable systems are suitable for most single-station boats with a single non-power-assisted outboard engine up to V-6 and minimal engine flutter or steering instability. NFB Rack accepts wheels up to 16” diameter.
New Back Mount design means easy installation; helm & cable are installed as a unit from behind dash and replace standard Teleflex rack steering without dash modifications.

Features (Single System)

• Patented NFB (No FeedBack™) helm
• Precise feel of 4 turns from lock-to-lock.
• Minimal clutch free play.
• Standard 3/4” round tapered steering wheel shaft.
• Stainless steel cable output ends.
• Fast, easy installation.
• Kits include: cable, helm, 90° bezel and hardware.
• Meets A.B.Y.C. standards.
• Meets N.M.M.A. certification requirements.

NFB Pro Rack (Dual System)

The only Rack and Pinion steering system for the high performance boater. Teleflex combines its patented No FeedBack technology with the incredible precision and control of a dual cable rack and pinion system. Now more than ever, NFB means performance! Teleflex offers Pro Rack for high performance hulls and motors — boats which have engine flutter, experience instability or simply need that extra margin of control at the helm. It’s a drop-in replacement for Teleflex “The Rack”.

Applications (Dual System)

NFB Pro Rack systems are suitable for single-station, high performance boats equipped with a single non-power-assisted outboard (up to V-6) in which engine flutter or steering instability is present. NFB Pro Rack accepts wheels up to 16” diameter. New Back Mount design installs easily and replaces standard Teleflex rack steering without dash modifications.

Features (Dual System)

• Patented NFB (No FeedBack™) Steering helm.
• Dual cables minimize lost motion in system.
• Precise feel of 4 turns from lock-to-lock.
• Minimal clutch free play.
• Standard 3/4” round tapered steering wheel shaft.
• Stainless steel cable output ends.
• Fast, easy installation.
• Kits include: cable, helm, 90° bezel and hardware.
• Meets A.B.Y.C. standards.
• Meets N.M.M.A. certification requirements.

NFB™ Safe-T® II Rotary

Delivering additional comfort and safety on today’s outboard power boats (V4 max) locking out the torque felt at the steering wheel generated by the rotation of the propeller. Replaces standard Safe-T® steering without dash modifications. For single station use only.

Features

• Patented No FeedBack Steering mechanism
• 3.0 turns from lock-to-lock
• Standard 3/4” tapered steering shaft
• Available either as separate components or as a complete system ready to install
• Fast, easy installation: uses Teleflex Quick Connect (QC) cable and standard Safe-T mounting pattern
• Tilt option available

Safe-T® QC Rotary

Ideal for traditional boat applications, Safe-T QC suits inboards, small outboard and power assisted stern drive applications.

Features

• 3.0 turns lock-to-lock
• Standard 3/4” tapered steering shaft
• Available either as separate components or as a complete system ready to install
• Fast, easy installation: uses simple snap-in connection, Teleflex Quick Connect (QC) cable and industry standard Safe-T mounting hardware
• Tilt options available
• Kits include: cable, helm, bezel, hardware and instructions

The Rack™

This unique back mount Rack system allows fast and easy installation and delivers a precise and comfortable
steering “feel”. Suitable for use on outboard and stern drive boats. Applies to virtually all power-assisted stern drive boats with wheels up to 16” diameter. Back Mount Replaces 1984-date Teleflex “The Rack” steering without dash modification. (Requires use of SSC134XX Back Mount Rack cable or the premium cable with TFXtreme technology SSC154XX.)
Components are available for dual cable systems, but we recommend No-Feed Back steering for all dual cable steered outboards.

Features

• Precise, easy 4 turns lock-to-lock
•Drop in replacement steering system for the Morse command 200 rack system.
• Standard 3/4” tapered steering shaft
• Uses SSC 134XX steering cables
• Complete systems and individual cables available in 1ft increments ie: SS14112 or SSC13412 (12ft)
• Tilt helm available
• NFB Rack version also available
• Kits include: cable, helm, bezel and hardware.
• Stainless steel cable output ends.
• Fast, easy installation: back mount design allows placement in dash PLUS mounting hardware fits standard Teleflex rack holes.
• Meets A.B.Y.C. standards.
• Meets N.M.M.A. certification requirements.

Tilt Steering

The ultimate in Tilt Steering Technology. Tilt Steering delivers unsurpassed performance and flexibility making it the perfect system for all possible applications and boat types. Classic helm for hydraulic applications only.

Features

• Pre-loaded dual taper bearings ensures minimal excess free play
• Smooth operation and feel
• Shaft seals to prevent water ingress
• 48 degrees of tilt articulation
• 5 positive lock positions
• Up to 3 style options
• Compact footprint
• Maintenance free
• Fits most styled and formed dashes

Mechanical Steering Systems FAQ’s

Are there any “tricks” to installing a steering system? Is there anything I should definitely avoid doing?

If you have an outboard or sterndrive with non-power-assisted steering, we recommend you use either a NoFeedBack (NFB) mechanical or hydraulic (SeaStar/BayStar/Hynautic) system. For boats with power-assisted steering, use HPS (mechanical) or SeaStar. If you have or plan to install an autopilot, use SeaStar.

Be sure you have the correct cable for the helm on the boat (or vice versa). There are several kinds of cables and helms that are not interchangeable; this is true whether the system is rotary or rack & pinion. See the steering identification guides in the front of the Mechanical Steering section of the catalog and the Steering Options Based on Engine Type charts, pages 4-5.

Be sure you have measured properly and ordered the correct length of cable. (The #1 reason for cable returns is “wrong length ordered”.) See How to Measure, earlier in these FAQs and in more detail on page 14.

Follow the installation instructions for steering products completely. This will ensure the maximum performance and reliability of the product. If the instructions are missing, contact the manufacturer.

Handle the products with care and do not expose them to impact or external stress.

Allow for generous (large) cable bends, notably where the cable exits from the helm (or rack housing) and where the cable makes the bend to connect to the engine/drive/rudder. The tighter the bends, the stiffer the cable will tend to be in operation. Also, tight bends reduce cable life. Note; 8″ is the minimum bend radius generally recommended for SeaStar Solutions steering cables.

When using tie wraps to affix the cable along the gunwale area, allow some slack (do not cinch tight). Slack in the tie wraps allows for cable flex as it is actuated. This leads to smoother operation and longer life.

Replace all worn steering connection/mounting components with correct replacement parts that are designed for the application. Do not substitute parts. If you think parts are missing from a kit, contact your distributor or the kit manufacturer for replacements.

When installing the cable at the engine end, be sure to lubricate the telescopic ram (output end that slides in and out) with liberal amounts of a good, waterproof Lithium-based grease. This is ESPECIALLY critical if the steering cable is connected through the engine tilt tube as this area tends to get very rusty.

Avoid the use of add-on grease fitting products designed to lubricate cables. These units can in fact force old grease, dirt and rust onto the moving internal parts of a steering cable, shortening its life. There is no substitute for proper cable maintenance procedures, as noted earlier in these FAQs.

NOTE: The information in this section is a general guide. If you have questions about our mechanical steering, please contact SeaStar Solutions Technical Support.

How do I measure steering cables for a vessel with two steering stations?

The only cable steering system available for dual station boats is the SeaStar Solutions Big-T. One cable with two outer jacket (casing) sections is used to make the run from the engine/rudder to the lower station helm and then to the upper station helm. Please see the Big-T Dual Station product pages, earlier in this catalog.

NOTE: The cable for this system is special-order and non-returnable, so please take extra care when measuring.

How do I install a steering wheel so it is centered when the engine is in the “straight ahead” position ?
There are several methods, depending on the type and model of steering:

For mechanical rack & pinion steering, attach the cable to the engine, then center the engine and center your steering wheel. Then bolt the Rack to the helm (you may have to wiggle the steering wheel to get the gears to mesh).

For mechanical rotary steering helms, the starting steering wheel position when you first feed the cable into the helm determines where it will be when the steering cable is “centered”. To center the steering wheel properly, we suggest orienting the wheel (depending on the rotary helm installed) in the positions depicted below. These starting positions assume the helm is mounted for an ordinary starboard cable exit.

You won’t have to worry about centering a steering wheel when installing hydraulic steering. Due to a small amount of “slip” or “drift” inherent in any hydraulic system, the steering wheel will not remain centered. Use of a wheel with equidistant spokes is the best solution for hydraulic steering since that type of wheel has no natural “up”, “down” or “sideways” position.

FAQ-mech

I’ve heard steering cables should be “maintained”. How exactly is this done?
We suggest the following periodic maintenance, at least twice a season:

1. Be certain the helm(s), cable(s), steering wheel and connection hardware are correctly assembled and in proper working order. Check for signs of stiffness, binding, excessive free play and/or wear. These items cannot be repaired; if any components are not in good working order, replace them. Disassembly of these items will void the warranty and can lead to steering failure. Always replace steering cables that are stiff in operation or have damage to the plastic jacket (outer casing).

2. Clean and lubricate the engine tilt tube or cable support tube and the steering cable telescopic output ram as follows:

a. Remove the steering cable(s) telescoping ram from the tilt tube.
b. Clean the tilt tube inside diameter thoroughly.
c. Remove corrosion in the tilt tube with a wire brush. Wipe until all loose material is removed.
d. Lubricate the tilt tube with a good water resistant marine grease.
e. Scour the steering cable telescopic ram with a brass wire brush and wipe until clean.
f. Lubricate the sliding parts of the telescopic ram with a high-quality, water resistant marine grease.
g. Reassemble, making sure all (correct) fasteners are tight and there is no binding or excessive free play in moving parts.

Note: where locking fasteners are used. Do not use non-locking fasteners; vibration can loosen them, causing steering failure.

The steering cable’s “core wire” is broken. How can this be repaired?
Steering cables cannot be repaired.

If a steering cable inner core wire separates or breaks within the steering helm (gear box), the steering cable must be replaced with the correct one for the helm.

The helm may need to be replaced as well. Cable breakage within the helm may have caused damage to the gears. A helm cannot be repaired and must be replaced as a unit.

If the correct replacement cable and/or helm is no longer available, replace the helm, bezel and cable with an appropriate SeaStar Solutions steering kit. See chart on pages 9-12.

The steering cable is stuck in the engine’s tilt tube. Now what should I do?
1. Sometimes a cable cannot be removed from an outboard engine tilt tube because the tube has rusted on the inside. The following method is suggested for those cases in which “gentle persuasion” won’t prevail:

a. Fully loosen the large hex nut on the starboard side of the engine that secures the steering cable to the engine tilt tube.

b. Cut the cable’s output ram close to the tilt tube.

c. Drive the cable out of the engine tilt tube. You may not want to hammer or heat the tilt tube in order to remove the jammed cable end. Heating and hammering may damage the engine mounting or pivot areas. You may have to replace the engine tilt tube. If so, consult your engine manufacturer’s repair instructions.

2. When installing the new cable and tilt tube (if necessary), be sure the inside of the tilt tube is clean and well lubricated. Lubricate the external parts of the steering cable’s telescopic (output) ram as well. Use a good quality, water resistant grease.

3. Be certain that all steering components are correctly assembled and in good working order. These items cannot be repaired; if any are not in good working order, replace them.

4. Note that locking fasteners are used to secure the steering wheel, helm, steering cable and link arm (drag link). Do not substitute non-locking hardware; engine vibration can loosen non-locking fasteners, causing loss of steering and personal injury and/or property damage.

5. Always remember: GREASE, GREASE, GREASE!

How do I remove the steering cable from the engine’s tilt tube?
Disconnect the link arm that attaches the output end of the cable (telescopic ram) to the tiller arm of the engine. Unscrew the large nut that attaches the cable to the tilt tube (support tube). If the cable was greased regularly, it should slide out through the tube.

If the cable does not easily slide out, spray inside the tube with liberal amounts of penetrating oil. With care, use a small hammer and block of wood to tap the cable out (after the attachment nut has been removed from the tilt tube). Severe blows can damage not only the cable but the engine’s tilt tube and other areas. This process requires care and patience. Do not try to drive the cable out by turning the steering wheel — this can damage the helm.

My steering cable is stiff / stuck and won’t move properly when I turn the wheel. What should I do?
The first step is to isolate the problem component(s) of the steering system. Several factors can lead to what feels like a “stiff” or “frozen” steering cable. If you do not have installation instructions for the system’s cable and helm, contact SeaStar Solutions (or other manufacturer, if appropriate) to obtain them. Also, have your engine and boat owner’s manuals handy.

The following troubleshooting sequence is suggested, during which the steering wheel should remain on the helm.

a. Is the steering cable in fact “stiff/frozen”?

Carefully disconnect the steering cable from the link arm, tiller arm or rudder post arm. (Refer to installation instructions for that steering system and boat/engine owner’s manual.) From the helm, attempt to turn the steering wheel in both directions by hand to ensure that it moves freely through its prescribed steering arc. Also, check the hardware that connected the cable to the engine/drive/rudder for signs of binding, excessive free play, corrosion, deterioration and/or incorrect assembly.

If everything does move freely and is in good working order, go to step c.

If the steering is still hard continue to step b.

Steering cables cannot be repaired. If the steering cable is deteriorated, does not move or operates in any manner other than correctly, replace it with the correct one for the helm. If the cable for your helm is no longer available, replace the helm, bezel and cable with an appropriate SeaStar Solutions steering kit.

If any cable connection part is deteriorated, too stiff or too loose, replace it with the correct type of component. SeaStar Solutions offers most types of cable connection hardware, except link arms which should be obtained from the engine manufacturer. Note that locking fasteners are used on connection components. Do not substitute non-locking fasteners as this may lead to steering failure.

Measure the cable’s plastic jacket (casing) in inches.If rotary, add 18”, and round up to the next foot. If rack & pinion, add 30” and round up to the next foot. Order that length cable.

b. Is the helm “stiff/frozen”?

With the steering cable disconnected from the link arm, tiller arm or rudder post arm, disconnect the cable from the helm. (Refer to installation instructions for that steering system at www.seastarsolutions.com.)

From the helm, attempt to turn the steering wheel in both directions by hand to ensure that it moves freely through its prescribed steering arc.

If everything does move freely and is in good working order, go to step c.

If the wheel does not move, replace the helm and bezel kit. If the helm and bezel are no longer available, replace helm, bezel and cable with an appropriate SeaStar Solutions steering kit.

c. Does the engine/drive/rudder pivot freely through its entire arc from port to starboard?

With the steering cable disconnected from the link arm, tiller arm or rudder post arm, move the engine/ drive/rudder back and forth by hand to ensure that it moves freely through its prescribed steering arc. If it does not move or is extremely stiff, have proper maintenance or repairs done. If it does move freely, then check for obstructions that may have been limiting engine movement and/or revisit steps a-b.

NOTE: To ensure maximum performance and service life for your mechanical steering system, please read and follow the procedures outlined in the next FAQ.

I want to install an autopilot on a boat with cable steering. What do I need?
SeaStar Solutions does not make adapters or interface parts to connect an autopilot to mechanical cable steering. This is left to the autopilot manufacturers. We do however strongly recommend that if you are installing an autopilot, upgrade your mechanical steering to a SeaStar hydraulic system. SeaStar is designed to interface with most autopilots and will give you superior all around performance.

NOTE: Autopilots cannot be used with any type of mechanical NFB (No FeedBack) steering. In that case, you MUST upgrade to SeaStar.

I just bought a NFB (No-Feed Back) helm and cannot turn the shaft by hand. Why?
Without the steering wheel on the shaft, NFB helms are very difficult to turn by hand. This reason is the No-FeedBack clutch is always on “standby” to grip the helm shaft and hold it steady against torque feedback from the engine (which can make the steering wheel turn on non-No-Feedback systems). Once the helm is mounted in the dash and the steering wheel is properly attached, you will be able to turn the shaft easily. Follow the installation instructions completely.
I have a [model/year] boat and [model/year] engine. How do I hook up my steering cable to the engine?
There are many ways to connect a steering cable to an engine, drive unit or rudder. For outboards, the most common connection method is fastening the steering cable to the engine tilt tube and attaching a link arm from the engine’s “tiller arm” to the cross-hole in the steering cable’s “telescopic ram”. Generally, it is best to replace what was originally installed with similar components whenever possible. When that is not feasible in a mechanical steering installation, consider upgrading to SeaStar.

NOTE: For an overview of the basic types of steering connections and available components from SeaStar Solutions , please see Steering Connection Kits Overview and SeaStar Solutions Steering Connection Kits, in the next FAQ.

What size steering wheel should I use?
SeaStar Solutions does not make specific recommendations regarding steering wheel size, except that the wheel be at or below the maximum wheel diameter noted for each type of helm and that the wheel is sized/located so it can be rotated freely by the boat operator through the entire steering arc with no obstruction or hindrance to movement. Wheels in the 14″ diameter range are used widely with mechanical steering systems. Any size wheel may be used so long as the helm’s recommended maximum wheel diameter is not exceeded and steering effort is acceptable.

An “equidistant-spoke” steering wheel is suggested for hydraulic steering systems since a certain amount of oil bypass in the helm will gradually result in the wheel becoming “not centered” when the engine/drive/rudder is in the straight ahead position. Again, please note the maximum wheel diameter recommended for the helm.

NOTE: For mechanical steering, please note the maximum wheel diameter listed for each product earlier in Mechanical Steering section of this catalog. For Hydraulic systems, maximum wheel diameter is listed for each helm in the SeaStar/BayStar/Hynautic Helm Specifications chart in the Hydraulic Steering Tech Reference section.

I would like to upgrade the steering in my boat to Tilt Steering. What steps do I need to take?
First determine the brand of steering in your boat, then whether it is mechanical or hydraulic.

If you do not have SeaStar Solutions steering, either:
a. Replace the helm and cable (or hoses and cylinder) with a SeaStar Solutions system or
b. Contact the steering maker for options. Tilt steering is not available for all systems.

If you have SeaStar Solutions rotary steering that was made after 1991 or rack steering made after 1996, you probably only need to purchase a Tilt helm and Tilt mechanism.

Determine which kind of SeaStar Solutions steering you have, then refer to the appropriate section of this catalog for Tilt Dash Module or Tilt Helm part number.

Tilt helms are offered for these SeaStar Solutions systems:
• Safe-T “QC” (1991-present)
• “The Rack” Rack & Pinion NFB Rack (1996-present)
• Big-T (no longer offered in tilt version)
• NFB Rotary (1991-present)
• HPS (2000-present)
• SeaStar & SeaStar PRO (1991-present)
• BayStar (2001-present)

NOTE: Some pre-1991 Hydraulic, pre-1991 Rotary and pre-1996 Rack systems may require purchase of additional items and/or modification of the dash. Please see The Tilt Steering product pages, earlier in this catalog or contact Tech Support for assistance.

(Tilt helms have a special shaft to engage the Tilt mechanism; a non-Tilt helm cannot be used.)

I need a link arm to connect the steering cable output ram to the tiller of my outboard. Can I get the link arm from SeaStar Solutions?
No. You should obtain this link arm from the engine maker. Link arms vary by engine, and the engine maker offers the correct link arm for your particular brand and model.
I need to replace the steering system on my boat, but I looked at the back of the helm and saw it was not made by SeaStar Solutions. I want to install a SeaStar Solutions system, but how do I know which one I should get?
Generally, replace rotary with rotary, rack & pinion with rack & pinion and hydraulic with hydraulic. Rotary helm gearboxes are round in shape. Rack & pinion helms are tubular and connect to a long, thin metal rack housing. The following is a brief cross reference for the most popular non-SeaStar Solutions systems:

• Morse® Command 290™ Rotary: use SeaStar Solutions HPS or Safe-T QC for power-assisted or NFB 4.2 Rotary for non-power-assisted. (Some Morse® Command 290 products are still available.)
• Morse® Command 200™ Rack: use SeaStar Solutions Back Mount Rack for power-assisted or NFB Rack for non-power-assisted and The Pro Rack for dual cable boats.
• Morse® Command 2™ Rotary: use SeaStar Solutions HPS or Big-T for power-assisted or NFB Safe-T II or 4.2 for non-power-assisted.

A comprehensive steering interchange listing (with illustrations of helms and cables) for SeaStar Solutions, Morse® and other brands begins on page 14 of this catalog.

I just bought a steering kit and I would like the steering shaft to be at an angle to the dash. The bezel kit included in the steering kit only allows a perpendicular mount. Which parts do I need?
The standard Bezel (mount) Kit included with the steering system allows the helm to be installed at 90° (perpendicular) to the surface of the dash. Optional Bezel Kits for Rotary Steering systems provide the ability to mount the helm at 20° from perpendicular. The Rack and Pinion system uses “Wedge Kits” that provide 10° and 20° angles.

For Rotary Steering (Safe-T QC, NFB Safe-T II or 4.2), order 20° Bezel Kit part number SB27483P.
For Rack and Pinion Steering (NFB, Non-NFB, and Pro Rack), order: 10° Wedge Kit part number SB27448P or 20° Wedge Kit part number SB27449P

I’m replacing a SeaStar Solutions rack & pinion cable in a 1985 boat. I ordered an SSC134 “The Rack” cable and it won’t connect to the helm. What’s the problem?
Note the old cable’s rack housing color. It is probably black or gray, meaning that the old cable is “The Rack (older)” model (1984-2001). If the rack housing is green, it may be a TR188 model (1975-86). This is a SeaStar Solutions system, but the helm will not bolt up to the new SSC134 cable, Replace the helm and bezel kit with 1996-date “The Rack” versions.

Note: Please see The Rack Stern Drive product pages, earlier in this catalog. Only the replacement cables for 1984-1995 SeaStar Solutions Rack systems are available (part number SSC124XX).

What do I need in order to add another steering station to my boat?
SeaStar Solutions Big-T is the only mechanical steering system with a version designed for dual station boats. This specialized product cannot be added on to any existing steering system.

SeaStar hydraulic steering is the preferred choice for dual station boats.

NOTE: Please see the Big-T Dual Station product pages, earlier in this catalog. The cable for this system is special-order and non-returnable, so please take extra care when measuring.

How do I know which length steering cable I need?
The cable part number and length can usually be found about 2 feet from one end of the cable, stamped into the plastic conduit (exterior jacket or casing). If you can’t locate/read it, proceed to step a:

a. Is the cable you are replacing rotary?

Rotary is a spiral wrapped black core wire sticks out at helm end of cable. Rack and pinion cable has long metal housing with rack [flat] gear inside (under the dash).

Measure the cable’s plastic jacket (casing) in inches.If rotary, add 18”, and round up to the next foot. If rack & pinion, add 30” and round up to the next foot. Order that length cable.

b. Are you doing a first-time steering cable installation?

Measure Cable Routing Path in Boat as Follows:

A = Center line of wheel to gunwale (inches),
B = Dash to transom (inches),
C = Gunwale to cable connection at centered tiller (inches).

For Tilt Tube Mounting, add A, B & C + 6”, and round up to the next foot. Order that length cable. For Transom/Splashwell/Stringer Support Mounting, add A, B & C, then subtract 6” and round up to the next foot. Order that length cable.

Are replacement gears available for SeaStar Solutions helms?
No. SeaStar Solutions does not offer repair parts for any steering helms or cables. All helms and cables must be replaced as units. If the helm in question is within our 2-year warranty period, we will authorize a free replacement helm (not including labor). Attempting to repair a helm will void the warranty and can lead to steering failure, which may result in personal injury and property damage.
I just bought a steering kit and I would like to add a friction screw to the system, but none was included with the kit. What should I do?
Friction adjustment is not a standard item in our steering kits and is not available for Rotary Systems. If you have installed a non-tilt “Back Mount Rack Helm,” order Friction Kit part number SA39531P.

NOTE: If you have any NFB system (Rack or Rotary), a friction adjustment device is not required nor recommended.