Push pull steering for smaller outboards?

[dmede]

Does anybody have any good pics or links on small outboard remote steering setups?

I have a small 6hp Nissan on my skiff and I'd like to setup for push pull steering in the middle thwart.

[Thorne]

Never seen anything like that for small outboards, might be hard on the wrists. Will a standard long (up to 4') outboard tiller extension not work?


From Cabelas

[dmede]

Ha! I have that exact extension, just arrived last week in fact. I have not had a chance to use it on the water yet but after just sitting in the boat with I'm not liking it very much. Too much flex in the pole, not enough steering from a sitting position. It's supposed to be for slow speed trolling but what I need is good positive control.

I found these guys online:
http://www.ezyglide.com/STEERING.html

It's all way more than I need and I'm sure I'll end up sticking with the tiller but I wanted to see what was possible. I have some other trim issues I need to sort out first that may help with solo operation.

[Cuyahoga Chuck]

There is old fashioned "stick-steering" which uses a first-class lever pivoting on the gunnal. A simple example would be a push-pull arrangement with the connecting links made from rods of sufficient size not to buckle. The back-and-forth movement is converted to side-to-side with a triangular bell crank mounted at the corner of the transom. The drawback is it's out in the open and can't be tucked away like a setup that uses cables.
A setup using cable or small rope (a pull-pull system) is possible too but you would need three pulleys, or double and a single, to get the force down the side and around the corner to the motor.

[Breakaway]

What about the side-mounted wheel concept used aboard Charles Wittholz's Little Moby? Plans available as a PDF download, I believe, from our hosts.

[Fishbucket]

A simple cable setup with corner pulleys would work, but like said, exposed.
What are you going to do about the throttle control ?

[dmede]

A simple cable setup with corner pulleys would work, but like said, exposed.
What are you going to do about the throttle control ?

If I did this I would be adding throttle control from Nissan. But really, I'm not going to do this. I just wanted to see what I could do and the more I think about it the more I know it's just not practical for such a small boat.

I'm trying to work out how to adjust my trim and motor speed so I'm happy with how she runs with just me aboard and may have to settle for a tiller extension.

[RodB]

The following stick steering with opposing throttle control can be hid somewhat... with only the "sticks" showing with cool control boxes. I have used this on a small "skinny bass boat" with a 25hp outboard... and sitting up front was cool and you get used to it pretty quick.



This overhead shows the steering without the throttle cable and control installed. If you have a seat located right beside the stick controls, its pretty natural to steer and control speed once you get used to it. The boat I ran had only one seat in the front for the helm... and with one person in the stern, she handled fine.



Lots of images around this concept....
http://www.google.com/images?client=...w=1024&bih=875


http://www.customgheenoe.com/gallery...-2-lg.jpg.html


RodB

[pipefitter]

Ha! I have that exact extension, just arrived last week in fact. I have not had a chance to use it on the water yet but after just sitting in the boat with I'm not liking it very much. Too much flex in the pole, not enough steering from a sitting position. It's supposed to be for slow speed trolling but what I need is good positive control.

I found these guys online:
http://www.ezyglide.com/STEERING.html

It's all way more than I need and I'm sure I'll end up sticking with the tiller but I wanted to see what was possible. I have some other trim issues I need to sort out first that may help with solo operation.

We just installed one of these on a fiberglass dory type skiff and it worked very well. The one we installed used a teleflex cable. When I sat in the boat, I sensed I would be glad to not have to deal with the tiller reaching behind me all the time.The boat we worked on had a Tohatsu 20hp and something about the motor we had to install the cable on the opposite side of the motor than what is typical with teleflex systems. I don't recall why, if it was a bracket/adapter issue but I can find out in the event you run into such concerns should you try one.

[peabody]

Hey?
Jim michalak blog at duckworks ..has a story about rob z .... and his sandy 16 .with a picture of a slick simple
Stick steering system.

pretty neat.
Peabody

[Irv Mac Dowell]

I'm surprised nobody mentioned the extensive article on stick steering by Harry Bryan in the new Woodenboat. It covers just about all of the questions raised in this thread, and includes several photos and drawings of various systems.

Best regards,

Irv

[peabody]

I'm surprised nobody mentioned the extensive article on stick steering by Harry Bryan in the new Woodenboat. It covers just about all of the questions raised in this thread, and includes several photos and drawings of various systems.

Best regards,

Irv

I just finished reading that. Excellent article.
now i know im definitely going with stick steering on my scow skiff.
Whats not to like? For me it makes perfect sense.
peabody