EZ-Steer

[Kermit]

I'm looking into installing an EZ-Steer rod on my H260 and '99 9.8 hp Tohatsu outboard. I've checked owner modifications and have seen lots of options but not all the information I need.
Have y'all installed one? Are you happy with it? I see where some have fabricated your own and the instructions include "you just bend this rod and attach it." That means almost nothing to me. Even with pictures. I'm not a welder, fabricator or figure-it-out-by-myself kinda guy. So that's why I will probably spend the bucks and buy from EZ Steer. Where did you buy it? What length/model did you get? Are you happy with it? And any other questions you might be able to answer that I'm not thinking to ask.
Thanks!

 

[weedstomper]

http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/in...id=267&cat_id=70&aid=8204&page=article&mn=270

I wanted something that allowed the motor to be tilted but not remain permanently linked to the rudder. This device is from Cabela's and is very easily disconnected when required and very cheap. No extra hardware, connecting fixtures come included. All I had to do was shorten it a couple of inches to size. Works very well and allows much better maneuvering.

Cheers, Albert (Hunter 260, wing/bulb keel)

 

[DJN51]

Go to Boat Info this site,Owners mods.at least 6 mods for what you want.260 mods.I have mine on 23.5 also.Little dif set up than 260.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Kermit;

call me tonight at home so we can confirm plans on meeting and this is something that can be discussed.

crazy dave

 

[cephius (Dave)]

Cabel's Auxillary Connector instead.

I tried getting the EZ-Steer model for the H260. No dealer carried it. None were able to order it. I contacted EZ-Steer directly. They were unwilling to assist me getting the correct model.

I went to Cabel's and found this for much less money link It comes with all the parts needed to complete the mod.

On the outboard side, my Mercury had an arm holding it center. This was removed and the first ball monted with no alterations.

On the rudder, I tested the full movement of motor and rudder to select where to drill in the plate/arm.

An easy mod with just a single hole to drill.

The line on it is because I remove it when the motor is tilted up under sail.

Being able to direct the thrust is critical on the H260. At slow speeds under power this is the worst boat I've ever handled. Without this link the wind would blow my bow out of position.

 

[Kermit]

I tried getting the EZ-Steer model for the H260. No dealer carried it. None were able to order it. I contacted EZ-Steer directly. They were unwilling to assist me getting the correct model.
I went to Cabel's and found this for much less money link
On the outboard side, my Mercury had an arm holding it center. This was removed and the first ball monted with no alterations.
On the rudder, I tested the full movement of motor and rudder to selet where to drill in the plate/arm.
An easy mod with just a single hole to drill.
The line on it is because I remove it when the motor is tilted up under sail.

cephius (Dave),

Thanks for the information, the picture, the explanation and the link! This information is exactly what I'm looking for. I like the stainless steel version. The plated steel is less expensive but $68.99 doesn't seem too high for SS.

I have spoken with the guy at EZ-Steer. He is quite willing to make one for my 260 but it will be 3 weeks before he has all the materials and the cost is, well, prohibitive at $279.99. I imagine it's an easier system to use since it doesn't have to come off to raise the motor but the line on yours appears to make removing it simple. Plus I won't be turning the motor while it's in the up position.

Thanks again for your help!

 

[cephius (Dave)]

The link does not "need" to come off to tilt the motor. It is just easier to use the helm with the motor tilted up and the link removed.

 

[Kermit]

The link does not "need" to come off to tilt the motor. It is just easier to use the helm with the motor tilted up and the link removed.

See there? Even more good information. Thanks!

 

[Regular Guy]

Cabel's Auxillary Connector instead

Kermit,
Please report what you ordered and how your project came out.
I am interested in installing a steering link to my outboard engine too.
Thank you,
Hart

 

[Kermit]

Kermit,
Please report what you ordered and how your project came out.
I am interested in installing a steering link to my outboard engine too.
Thank you,
Hart

I haven't ordered it yet but probably will. Uncle Crazy Dave and I are going to look at that this week. I promise to report back. Right now it looks like what cephius (Dave) has is what I want. (Everyone always did like cephius (Dave) best. No wonder I could never get a date.)

 

[Regular Guy]

I haven't ordered it yet but probably will. Uncle Crazy Dave and I are going to look at that this week. I promise to report back. Right now it looks like what cephius (Dave) has is what I want. (Everyone always did like cephius (Dave) best. No wonder I could never get a date.)

Thanks, Kermit. I am especially interested in how to connect to the outboard engine since I have a Honda, which seems different from the others.

Well, regarding never getting a date, you won the heart of a wonderful woman, who shares sailing with you. The result counts. I am not that lucky, but do not give up on that either.

Good times with Uncle Crazy Dave,
Hart

 

[cephius (Dave)]

HEY! I'm available now. All it takes is lunch. (and beer)

Nobody every wants to sail with me

(This post is humor)

 

[Kermit]

I'll sail with you anytime. Just need to get up there.

 

[weedstomper]

Regular guy,

The link I posted above shows the same device from Cabelas mounted on the Honda 9.9 of an H260/270. (http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/index.php?option=com_kb&Itemid=267&cat_id=70&aid=8213&page=article&mn=270) My motor has two screw holes underneath and either side of the handle of the motor, there I screwed the perforated plates where the connection knob is mounted (this comes in the kit). Installation of the other knob requires drilling the aluminum of the rudder drive, which goes easy. Best is to place that knob farthest from the rudder as possible for maximum turning action of the linkage.

I also remove it for sailing. I'm not sure if I would like to have the motor and rudder permanently linked while the motor is tilted up for sailing, could this add a lot of weight on the rudder/helm while the boat is heeled?

 

[Fred]

Nice solution for the H260s. Unfortunately on my H26 the rudder has a different configuration and I do not have access to a point forward of the rudder pivot point so I think I will have to install the link on the back end of the rudder head and motor. Anyone have pictures of such a solution?

 

[Regular Guy]

Regular guy,

The link I posted above shows the same device from Cabelas mounted on the Honda 9.9 of an H260/270. (http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/index.php?option=com_kb&Itemid=267&cat_id=70&aid=8213&page=article&mn=270) My motor has two screw holes underneath and either side of the handle of the motor, there I screwed the perforated plates where the connection knob is mounted (this comes in the kit). Installation of the other knob requires drilling the aluminum of the rudder drive, which goes easy. Best is to place that knob farthest from the rudder as possible for maximum turning action of the linkage.

I also remove it for sailing. I'm not sure if I would like to have the motor and rudder permanently linked while the motor is tilted up for sailing, could this add a lot of weight on the rudder/helm while the boat is heeled?

weedstomper,
Thank you, helpful post, will check my Honda for the attachment screw holes.
Hart

 

[Kermit]

I ordered mine about 2 1/2 minutes ago. Can't wait to get it installed and see how well it works. Thanks everyone!

 

[sailmaster39]

I tried getting the EZ-Steer model for the H260. No dealer carried it. None were able to order it. I contacted EZ-Steer directly. They were unwilling to assist me getting the correct model.

I went to Cabel's and found this for much less money link It comes with all the parts needed to complete the mod.

On the outboard side, my Mercury had an arm holding it center. This was removed and the first ball monted with no alterations.

On the rudder, I tested the full movement of motor and rudder to select where to drill in the plate/arm.

An easy mod with just a single hole to drill.

The line on it is because I remove it when the motor is tilted up under sail.

Being able to direct the thrust is critical on the H260. At slow speeds under power this is the worst boat I've ever handled. Without this link the wind would blow my bow out of position.

Hey Dave
Do you still recommend this Cabela steering device arm for rudder/outboard . Much cheeper than EZsteer
Richard

 

[Kermit]

Hey Dave Do you still recommend this Cabela steering device arm for rudder/outboard . Much cheeper than EZsteer Richard

I can't speak for Dave but I certainly recommend it. I ordered it from Cabela's. Makes all the difference in the world.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

I concur with that greenie frog.