I've decided this summer to alter my Merc 9.9 to add rudder-linked steering. In the past I've seen two photo projects here, (one by "Joe C"?) using "tie-rod ends" and a connecting rod, hooked to the rudder steering arm used for wheel steering and the Merc motor bracket, used for remote steering. I even have pictures (see picture)! However, when I go to the auto parts stores, the help pull out a tie-rod end that looks like a twisted "L", shake their head and tell me the things in the picture are not tie-rod ends. I've searched the photo archives and can't find the articles any more, maybe their too old. You can see in the picture, the owner of one of the boats lives in Great Falls, VA, but apparently isn't registered on this site. I would really like to learn what kind of "tie-rod ends" are being used so I can build this linkage. I've already ordered the rudder post steering arm, (to add to my tiller equipped rudder post), and the bracked for my Merc 9.9. If the owners who constructed these beautiful projects of engineering, or some one who knows them, could tell me a little more about the linkage parts, I'd be very greatful. Brigg
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McMaster-Carr website
Search for "ball joint rod ends"; stainless steel ones are at the bottom of the first page the search brings up.
Search for "ball joint rod ends"; stainless steel ones are at the bottom of the first page the search brings up.
I just rigged one that I bought ...
from Cabela's (see link). It's not an automotive thing. The connector rods come in stainless or chromed. I have the Honda 9.9 but the scheme is the same - run a link to a bracket on the motor (I bought the bracket from Honda) and to a bolt through the hole in the rudder post, or the steering link if you have the wheel. That is shown on several photos as you have found. Hope this helps.
from Cabela's (see link). It's not an automotive thing. The connector rods come in stainless or chromed. I have the Honda 9.9 but the scheme is the same - run a link to a bracket on the motor (I bought the bracket from Honda) and to a bolt through the hole in the rudder post, or the steering link if you have the wheel. That is shown on several photos as you have found. Hope this helps.
Steering Linkage Parts
I too am building a steering linkage like the one Joe. C built. I found the tie rod and ends on the web at the link below. I couldn't find a threaded cotterless clevis pin as Joe C's photo shows. I ordered the pins from McMaster-Carr and am having them threaded.
I too am building a steering linkage like the one Joe. C built. I found the tie rod and ends on the web at the link below. I couldn't find a threaded cotterless clevis pin as Joe C's photo shows. I ordered the pins from McMaster-Carr and am having them threaded.
Off the shelve solution
I purchased a system from EZ Steer and am very satified with the results. It was catalog # 74004, Hunter medium. This rod starts at 27" and will self-adjust to 48".
I purchased a system from EZ Steer and am very satified with the results. It was catalog # 74004, Hunter medium. This rod starts at 27" and will self-adjust to 48".
Here is a link
to the photo forum. The title is rudder mods under the 260 search. http://www.sailboatowners.com/upload/display.tpl?folder=Peltier73106675222&fno=17 I have a springloaded disconnect on the rudder, which is important to minimize fricton while sailing. I believe I bought my swivels at a clutch and transmission store, although I would think an automotive store would have them also. They are commonly used for throttle connections etc in bigger equipment. Hope that helps, Jeff Peltier
to the photo forum. The title is rudder mods under the 260 search. http://www.sailboatowners.com/upload/display.tpl?folder=Peltier73106675222&fno=17 I have a springloaded disconnect on the rudder, which is important to minimize fricton while sailing. I believe I bought my swivels at a clutch and transmission store, although I would think an automotive store would have them also. They are commonly used for throttle connections etc in bigger equipment. Hope that helps, Jeff Peltier
Brigg
Brigg, It's me Jim. I upgreaded to a H356 and keep the boat at Cobb Island,MD, still live in Great Falls. The parts were off the shelf tie-rod ends, one right-hand thread and one left-hand thread. Should be able to find this at an auto store. But after the fact I would go with the EZ steer system. Jim S/V Java
Brigg, It's me Jim. I upgreaded to a H356 and keep the boat at Cobb Island,MD, still live in Great Falls. The parts were off the shelf tie-rod ends, one right-hand thread and one left-hand thread. Should be able to find this at an auto store. But after the fact I would go with the EZ steer system. Jim S/V Java
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