Upgrade from tiller steering to cable

Dave Pring · 30 July 2003, 16:32

Hi everyone, I've been following the forums for a while and the info' here is always of interest. First off, I don't need to upgrade to a RIB I have a part share in a 5.8m Narwhal, but it is to much to launch if there are just three of us. So I also have a 4m Avon Sport Boat (SIB). At the moment the Fish finder, radio and battery box are mounted on the A frame which works fine, but is uncomfortable on the driver. Can anyone advise me on the following: I want to change the Tiller steering on the 25hp Merc to a cable and steering wheel. Also I would have to change the throttle to a cable system with a remote throttle on the jockey console. Is it worth considering or should I stay with what I have?

Keith Hart · 30 July 2003, 21:42

You see I told you there were a lot of closet SIBbers out there!

Keith (too late for Orkney I suppose Dave) Hart

Dave Pring · 07 August 2003, 12:22

Hey guys, I thought there would be no shortage of help/comment regarding my queries. Can't anyone help?

Richard B · 07 August 2003, 12:45

Dave - this probably down to personal choice and budget. I looked at this option last year for my hard floored SIB, then decided to save the cash and save it towards a RIB.

It will not be cheap - I looked at a system from International Marine Supplies http://www.internationalmarinesupplies.co.uk Tel: +44 (0)1427 617845 - but don't forget to add up the cost of all the components - (cable) steering kit, wheel and mount pedestal/console, and the throttle/gear remotes, along with any electrical work (are you man or elec start?).

Alternatively, you could get the Narwhal and it's trailer rigged for single person launching?

Dave Pring · 16 August 2003, 11:04

Thanks Richard,

I realise I am going to some expense here, but my family LOVE this boat. I intend to build my own consol, and I believe the steering won't be much of a problem to change. However I am concerned about taking the tiller off and fitting a remote side mounted throttle. So any comments on this would be appreciated.
The motor is a rope pull start, which I don't intend to change.

Pete7 · 16 August 2003, 20:54

Dave, go for a quicksilver side thottle unit (second hand) which should be about £50 in working order. (If wavehumper hasn't bought them all up). Carefully take all the electrics out and sell them on. Cables are about £15 each depending on length and are normally morse 33's I think, they are industry standard. You will need a couple of little widgets to attach the cables to the engine but a Mariner or Merc dealer should be able to sort those. Shop around for the steering, some chandlers do a complete set for £99. Probably not worth the agro of second hand stuff at that price as steering cables only last about 5 years at best because you can't grease them

Size the console for two red fuel tanks. Or have a chat with Pembrokshire Yachts in Neyland, Pembroke they used to make consoles for all Narwal imported into this country.

pete