Detmar vs Teleflex?

[SailDog]

Ok, the (original?) steering cable is half siezed, not a problem unless I want to turn to port. I can install a Teleflex SS141-8, means drilling a new hole in the boat . Or, I can get my hands on a 8' Detmar Vantage which looks like a bolt on. Is the Teleflex an upgrade? It looks like the same technology to me... What do I get for my extra hole and $60 difference?

-Pat

[c130king]

I installed a SS-141 (8') on my last May. The original Detmar seized up. The teleflex went in exactly like the Detmar...no bolt holes. Fairly easy and straightforward IMO...and normally I am a complete mechanical clutz.

But installation is probably different for an . I definitely recommend changing it before it breaks on the water.

Steering Broke

Good Luck,
Jim

[ronacarme]

My 2001 X's stock Detmar gradually stiffened and the wheel finally refused to rotate the last 2/3 turn to port. However, I wanted to avoid, or at least defer, replacing the steering cable assembly.
So,I repetitively squirted silicon spray into the stainless tube (hinged on the stbd aft wall of the cockpit) in which the steering rod reciprocates, while turning the wheel back and forth, urging the wheel to port a little further each time. The exposed free end of the steering rod had been disconnected from the rudder connecting tube and the open end of the hinged tube elevated so the silicon liquid would pool at the blind end of the hinged tube and hopefully lube the reciprocating flexible cable where it drives the reciprocating steering rod. Spent about a half hour last fall and another this spring. Full steering wheel travel now restored.
We sail in fresh water so corrosion in our steering cable is probably not as bad as for saltwater boats.
Ron

[Trouts Dream]

We have a 97X and last year it also began to stiffen up and when I powered through the steering began to strip. I orderd the 10' teleflex cable and no-feedback steering system. Installed cable only last season and much better steering but in very stiff winds the steering began to "chatter" or skip (ie strip) when I fought to keep the boat from rounding up. This season I installed the steering box and great steering even in high winds.
I found the steering is stiffer than before but I can now be hands free when saiing on some tacks and the best part is hands free motoring at alost any speed above 8 kts. (except in shifting winds coming on the nose)
Best part is the confidence I have in my steering system again.

The only thing I needed to do was lower my throttle mechanism about 2 inches to accomodate the deeper steering box. Every thing else just bolted on.

[Duane Dunn, Allegro]

I've been very happy with my U-Flex replacement steering in my '96X. It is quite smooth and very corrosion resistant. The end nut at the transom is a nice bronze one. You might consider U-Flex instead. To my knowledge it is a perfect, no drill replacement.

[c130king]

I have since remembered that I did have to drill a new hole for the new steering shaft in the console. It required a bigger hole. Used a hole saw, it wasn't perfect (the fiberglass is around 1.5" thick in that area and my hole saw was only 1" deep...so I used a chisel to finish the job) but the black plastic piece covered up all the ugliness.

And, the angle of the teleflex rack was slight different that the detmar. It leaned a little aft so I had to pull out my depth guage a little...but it still works...just doesn't quite sit flush anymore.

But the steering became fantastic after installing the teleflex.

Jim

[SailDog]

I did the Teleflex SS141-8 install today.

Here's my advice...

I placed the top edge of the new 2-1/4" hole on the top edge of the old hole. That worked well, but, the rack still has to tilt about 10deg in order to fit. I have a Merc 3000 thottle box on the starboard side of the pedestal, so the top of the rack has to tilt to starboard. Don't drill the 3 plate bolt holes until you attach the rack to the pinion and set the tilt, taking into account the trottle box. The plate gives you 20deg of play but that won't change a port tilt to starboard... The "Rack and Pinion Steering" label on the black cover will not be top dead center.



Steering is MUCH smoother. Full throw with two fingers engine attached. Can't wait to try it on the water.



-Pat