Steering linkage OD 23

[brhoads]

Hi all, I have a new to me OD 23 with a 10 HP electric motor. The previous owner suggested that a steering linkage would be a nice addition. I’m concerned about a linkage being cumbersome when we don’t want to use it. I am aware that some have a quick disconnect feature. Recommendations? I’m especially interested in hearing for folks who have issues with their linkage.

Thanks!

 

[dlochner]

Are you talking about a linkage between the rudder and the motor?

When I had a small boat with an outboard, I did not use any linkage because I wanted to learn to maneuver the boat without using turning the outboard. When I moved up to a larger boat with an inboard, the learning curve for maneuvering the boat was much shallower. It was a simple transition.

 

[Timm R Oday25]

There are several brands that allow clamping of trolling motors to larger engines .
What we do is tighten up the outboard tiller knob when we have some distance to cover.
However ,whenever we need to sharpen up our steerage ,especially in an unfamiliar slip ,we turn both the outboard and the tiller .
I'm thinking this is your goal . I tried to link them together initially . The problem that arose was once we turned off the outboard and sailed the outboard dragged through the water. I prefer to raise the outboard out of the water and the linkage would not allow that to happen

 

[brhoads]

Let me clarify. I have an OD 23 and a 10 HP outboard. A steering linkage, like a tie rod, would connect the rudder to the motor to facilitate tight turns. There are a number of commercially produced linkage systems.

If you have used one, I’m interested in your opinion. Do you find it effective and convenient or have you given up on using it?

 

[Timm R Oday25]

I correctly understood your objective . I gave up on using a linked system .

 

[brhoads]

Thanks Timm. There are quick disconnect systems that allow one to unlink underway when sailing. I’m hoping to find one that works, but maybe they don’t