info on original steering helm for 1975

abl1111 · #1 01-07-2004, 10:26 PM

Sigh. The aluminum helm on my boat is original and in very good condition ( the exterior-mounted part ). I have already sanded and will either epoxy and imron, or powder coat.

The ?: What brand is /was this ? Is disaasembly, I 'think' I remember how she goes back together - but if I can get a schematic from the manufact., that would be a sure thing!

Thx.

Dave Hirshberg · #2 01-08-2004, 12:41 PM

If its mechanical it may be an old KeiKaffer system. Forgive my spelling. If the wheel is permanently attached to the shaft and the shaft passes thru the helm then thats what it is. Do yourself a favor and replace it with a no feed back Teleflex system or Hydraulic. You are going to have a tough time finding steering cables for that system down the road.

abl1111 · #3 01-08-2004, 04:54 PM

If its mechanical it may be an old KeiKaffer system. Forgive my spelling. If the wheel is permanently attached to the shaft and the shaft passes thru the helm then thats what it is. Do yourself a favor and replace it with a no feed back Teleflex system or Hydraulic. You are going to have a tough time finding steering cables for that system down the road

The wheel is not permanently attached to the shaft. The shaft, slides in and out of the wheel and attaches via a bolt. The other end of the shaft goes through a 'gear-head' which is attached to the steering cable.

If $ were not an issue, I would go w/ a new steering system, but I am spending a lot !!!

Miles Offshore · #4 01-08-2004, 05:18 PM

Thats what it is I think Abl. I changed mine out recently and it was just as described. The wheel did come off of mine and it said Mercruiser steering on the helm- 1978 SC. I trashed mine (saved the destroyer wheel but it doesnt work on any of the new systems) and installed hydraulic, mucho difference [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

abl1111 · #5 01-08-2004, 09:54 PM

SH*T !

I hate to replace it. I don't even know if it works. It seems it's in perfect operating condition: Cable is smooth. Destroyer wheel is clean. Head - I've taken apart, degreased, sanded and am ready to paint. The big gear head seems fine. It could last 20 more years or a day...

I don't know what brand it is still. I looked up keikafer - and there is no info specifically ( there is nothing on it spelled w/ (2) f's).

I have replaced everything else on the boat. Hmmm. But, I think the hydraulic would be overkill - I have power assist on the i/o.

I do not know if I would go w/ the hydraulic. How much for a standard mechanical set up ?

Dave Hirshberg · #6 01-09-2004, 10:09 PM

Abl,
I forgot you have an I/O. You may be able to keep using it. On an outboard I would defnitely repalce though, too much torque on that old cable. With power assist you might be allright. Just know that when it breaks it the whole system. I Think KeiKaffer and Mercury marine were part of the same some years ago. They make the big K-planes trim tabs you see on go fast boats.

abl1111 · #7 01-12-2004, 04:05 PM

Gotcha.

I'm going to leave mine in for now. When she goes, I'll replace it. It is in great shape now, so I'll leave it...

Besides, I cannot find any info on it anyway...

Miles Offshore · #8 01-13-2004, 07:07 PM

Abl- what kind of shape is the steering wheel in??

abl1111 · #9 01-14-2004, 12:59 AM

steering wheel is in perfect condition. the whole steering looks great, but as with anything - you never know. I repalced a few of the mounting studs ( they were understandably rusted )

I have a call into Mercury to see if they can come up w/ a schematic of the helm so I can reassemble exactly right. I think I know how it goes back together - I just want to be sure.

Again, if the $ were not an issue, I would swap it now. But, I am over budgeted as is and this is something that I will let slide for now ( one of the few things, I might add )

ABL

Water Rat · #10 01-14-2004, 10:11 AM

Abl,

Sorry I have not responded to your post sooner. I think I may of had a similar system on my '78 23' Sceptre (i.e. cable steering). When I repowered with a MerCruiser 454 / Bravo 1, I did not change over immediately. Couple of years later, finally converted to a Hynautic hydraulic system and it was definitely $ well spent. However, at that time the NFB systems did not exist. An added benefit was not having to replace steering cables which seemed to seize every 2 or 3 years. I do feel your pain from writing so many checks, but if you decide to convert, I'll be happy to share any info. regarding what helm pump, cylinder, etc., I used.
Good luck and looking forward to seeing some pictures.

Chris