steering linkage system between rudder and 9.9 hp

[Bill Miller]

I am looking for information on steering linkage hardware for an ODay 25 between rudder and 9.9 hp outboard. I am told that a product "Goldeneye linkage system" was a good system, but they are now out of business. Ezsteer makes a very expensive system. Does anyone have any experience with this type of linkage and knowledge of the goldeneye product and possible access?

 

[Ben Bishop]

Why?

It is silly. Put the 9.9 in straight position and lock it there. Steer with the tiller. If you must spend the money, send it to me.

 

[Justin - O'day Owners' Web]

Steering the outboard

The ability to steer the outboard can be handy in close corners. I find this to be the primary benefit of out board power - at least on my boat. West Marine sells a simple system that mounts with giant hose clamps. I'd check that out.Justin - O'day Owners' Web

 

[EJ Tews]

Steering Linkage

I have an O'Day 25 and considered the same thing. But as I sailed I looked at how often I really need to steer in those types of tight places. Usually it is when I have a strong wind blowing at my stern and I am trying to get out of my slip. In those situations I can lean over the stern and throw the engine to starbaord or port for the second or two that I need to swing the bow around and get some steering pressure on the rudder.If leaning over makes you feel uncomforable, and I can understand that in different situations; maybe look at a throttle extension for your outboard. This way you can also increase and decrease the throttle and have the ability to move the motor around in those situations that call for it.EJ TewsO'Day 25 _/)Jennifer Lea

 

[Michael Gordon]

Just Lean Over!!!

Just lean over and and stear the engine with by hand.For the most part, I try to leave the outboard in a forward position, but in tight spaces there is no other way but to turn it by hand.The way I see it, outboards can be more or less manueuverable than inboards, depending on how you use them. If you turn your outbaord, you will get direct thrust to stear you in the direction you want to go, but if you leave it in the straight ahead position, you have to wait until the boat has enough forward momentum for the rudder to be effective.With an inboard, you have the advantage of not having to lean over an turn the engine, but remember!!! the prop is right in front of the rudder. The prop will direct its thrust straight back, but the rudder will deflect it to stear the boat in the direction you want to go. You don not get this with an outboard, which is why you have to steer the engine.With regard to a linkage between the rudder and the engine... I raise my engine once I am finished using it to reduce drag. I would imagine that you would have to disconnect the linkage once you are ready to raise the engine.Again, I only use turn the engine when I am getting in and out of the slip. Since I have no experience with a linkage system, I can only speculate that I would rather reach over the back of the boat to turn the engine, rather than to hook and unhook the linkage system. Yes, the linkage system sounds neat, but it also sounds like it would be more trouble than it would be worth.Sincerely,Michael Gordonmichael@chocolatetruffles.com