Rudder to outboard steering link

[Ron Mehringer]

If anyone's interested, I just posted photos of my latest project in the Photo Forum. Like many others, I connected my rudder and outboard with a connecting rod. The project turned out to be pretty easy and it works very well.Ron Mehringers/v Hydro-Therapy

 

[Ray Bowles]

Ron, I like the concept and will try it on my boat

If you were to take the rod portion, cut it so it is straight, and thread the ends (like all thread) and install threaded rod end joints with clevis pins it will be adjustable by about 2" either way and would cut down the metal to metal wear points. Cheap too.How does it work with the motor up and are there any details to know with it up?Good idea and very good presentation with your pictures.The next time either one of us travels thru the Panama canal, to try a different coast, I shall buy you a beer. Thanks Ray

 

[Ron Mehringer]

end joints

Ray - Where can I find out more about the "threaded rod end joints with clevis pins" that you mention?In order to tilt the motor up, I have to remove the connecting rod. Which, due to bending from use, would require a few taps with a hammer from below. One of the weaknesses in my design. I'm also considering the E.Z. Steer product (click on link below).Now, as for the beer, bring along a six of Sam Adams and you're in like flint.Ron Mehringers/v Hydro-Therapy

 

[Russell Hudson]

ways to skin a cat

I just finished the same project on my 240. Crazy Dave has it now, so no pictures yet. I found a connecting rod at boatersworld that is for connecting a trolling motor. It has two wonderfull ball joints on each in and the hardware they attach to. This made for the perfect rod, because if can't come loose and is a ball joint connector. The part is available on the boatersworld website.Russells/v Summer Luvin'

 

[Joe]

I wanted a quick release option...

I wanted to be able to easily disconnect the outboard from the rudder and fix the outboard straight ahead. So I did some looking for stainless steel "cotterless clevis pins" They work like fast pins. I just got all the parts together and should have it fabricated in a little over a week from now. There will be a fixed pin on center over the pin on the rudder arm to which the steering link can be shifted. That way you don't have the weight of the motor riding your steering while heeled. It makes sort of a mechanical lee helm. I'll post some pictures here when I get it done. I have a list of the part sources if anyone is interested.Fair Winds,Joe C. in NC'01 H260Windward Passage

 

[Ron Mehringer]

quick release

Joe - We're always interested, so please do post your list of parts and any othe project info. My system would definitely benefit from being able to disconnect.Ron Mehringers/v Hydro-Therapy

 

[Tom M.]

The steering connecting rod and

harware that I used is the 'Goldeneye' kit. Probably can get it from a power boat/fishing outfit locally.Rattles a bit (honda 9.9) but works.Tom M.