Steering Question

[Mr Blotto]

I'm in Christchurch, New Zealand and have recently bought an Aussie Tennessee ski/race hull, which is derived from a 70's Allison. The boat needs a bit of work, so the engine (Tower of Power) is coming off. When I put it (or a 150 XR2 V6 I'm considering) back on, I want to upgrade the steering.

I've owned two boats with cable/wing steering (an NZ bullet 1850 and an Aussie Dann Craft) and like it for it's feel and directness, but am considering the hydraulic option. Here in NZ, side mount hydraulic is almost unheard of and the front mount bullhorn style dominates. My brother's Cyclone with a 300X has it and I'm not impressed with it's vague feel. I've also heard or seen a few disparaging remarks about the front mount systems. The side mount is an option as I'm an aviation engineer by trade and have the ability and facilities available to have the various specialist components manufactured if necessary (far too expensive to import)

I don't really understand why one would be so superior to the other as they both use hydraulic/lever force to pivot the engine.

So, in short, I'd like to hear the opinions of the guys on this board as the the pros and cons of the cable/wing v's hydraulic bullhorn v's hydraulic side mount systems. I also am under the impression the front mount systems don't readily fit the Straight 6 Tower. Is this true?

Regardless of any of that, if I go for any of the systems needing a steering wing, I will need the dimensions or a pattern of the wing, particularly where the wing mounts to the engine for both Tower of Power or V6, if/when I make my mind up which way to go.

Thanks in advance to anyone taking the time to answer.

Cheers, Dayle

[largecar91]

I ran string steering with a steering bar(wingplate) on my 14' Allison with an inline Merc. I ran it because they are simple and light and precise. I have a pattern for late model inline steering bars. My new project, a 17' Hydrostream Vector is getting a hydraulic side ram. i have used several hydraulic steering systems over the years but never a side ram so we'll see how it works.

[rock]

Welcome to the site. I have had several boats with string steering and to me it is by far the best for anything fast. My Allison basser had dual cable steering and I switched it out for hydraulic. At first I hated it but once used to the different feel I fell in love with it. Never had side steer. I see a ski pole so I would think a hydraulic system would be best. As far as front to side steer my guess would be side steer due to it steering from the back of the motor like a string steer. JMO.

Rock

[PanRonnie]

The front mount would steer on the stering arm, that would mean rubber mounts in between the stering inputand mid section
You don't mention solid mounts on the tower so that is something to consider
If you can get your hands on 15 inch mid might be a good idea on that boat for the 150 v6

[KIRCHNER]

Its all in geometry, the further away from the swivel tube, the more mechanical advantage you have. front steer is close to the swivel, requires more force than side steer, which is twice the distance from the swivel tube. side steer wins hands down.