Replacement Rotary Steering for 1996 26X

[bradhill]

My 1996 MacGregor 26X finally needs the steering to be replaced (hard steering). Although I have (I think) read every post on the subject, I have not seen the definitive answer for the cable length when using a Teleflex rotary replacement. As I only want to do this once, I am looking at the Teleflex SS-147 4.2 turn NFB product.

Can anyone that has a 1996 26X give me direction on the cable length and if the SS-147 is a good choice. Is it overkill?

Has anyone ever tried to feed the steering cable inside the liner to clean-up the aft berth appearance?

Thanks

Brad H
Bad Habitz

[Randy Smith]

Brad, it really isn't a hard job to do....I would suggest greasing your old one, you'll be amazed. If replacing, make sure there are no tight loops in the cable. I replaced my cable...actually bought a foot longer....I used the same path for the cable as when it arrived(96).....that was summer of 97 and have had no problems since.....I had to replace right away due to a manufacturing error... Randy

[Ron]

Hi, I replaced my steering Feb 2005 on my 1996 26x. I made the mistake of first ordering 10 ft length. It didn't fit -- need to go with the 12 ft length.

Picking through my files here is exactly what I installed:

Teleflex Safe-T II NFB System 12 ft. The mfg part # was 1-SS13212

I paid $139 for it, although you can find it slightly cheaper on the web.

It took me all day to install. The plastic cap over my steering wheel was in so tight and brittle from UV damage that it broke apart. Then getting the steering wheel off I needed to use a gear puller. The wheel was on tight. Once I got the old one removed the main difficulty was snaking the new cable through the hole on the boat. I ended up cutting the hole larger. I don't know how most boats are, but my steering cable goes through the rear corner on the starboard side. It is the tightest turn in the cable.

However, now that the new cable and helm is installed the steering is much better.

Good Luck.

[Jack O'Brien]

If you have read all the previous posts you should see which length to order. My suggestion is to go with the teleflex best cable that allows 4-inch radius bends. The price is not that much greater and all reports say it is worth it. I have bought two, throttle and shift, but have yet to install.
To be certain on length for your new cable - measure the old one and get a new one one foot longer.

Best price here:
http://www.surplusunlimited.com/

[Duane Dunn, Allegro]

HOLD UP ON THE TELEFLEX!

Sometime prior to our purchase of our 96 26X the previous owner replaced the steering.

It now has UFLEX rotary sterring system installed. I really like it far better than the Detmar or the Teleflex systems. The helm is really smooth and easy to turn. It has a great bronze nut at the exposed end which is much more corrosion proof than the aluminum ones.

The planetary gear design seems to be a lot better than the other styles.

It looks like it was a perfect fit replacement.

I'll try to crawl in the boat tomorrow and get a measurement on the cable length.

Check out the mechanical steering systems at the site below.

http://www.uflexusa.com/start.html

Here's a great price.

http://www.rivermarinesupply.com/xcart/ ... ystem.html

[kmclemore]

HOLD UP ON THE TELEFLEX! ....

Check out the mechanical steering systems at the site below.

http://www.uflexusa.com/start.html

Looks like a great system. I particularly noted the anti-feedback system they offer, as well as their wheels, too. Check out their teak-rimmed destroyer wheels.. *very* nice, and a good selection in sizes, too. I almost wish my steering would break so I could replace it!

[jmclemore]

I almost wish my steering would break so I could replace it! [/quote]

Ya want me to take a hammer to it?

[Frank C]

I almost wish my steering would break so I could replace it!

Ya want me to take a hammer to it?

j or k, (either one)
Use that hammer on my GPS too, okay?

[Randy McCotter]

Last fall, I replaced my stiff steering with a new U-flex system. now it's awesome. I went from 2 fisted, white knuckle steering to one finger steering. MUCH BETTER! The only downside is now the steering is so light, I can't just let go of the wheel and go below deck, I have to tie off the wheel first. Small price to pay though.

I highly recommend the U-flex system. It's relatively easy to install in a couple of hours or so. I must say though, I was quite nervous drilling a new hole in the steering pedistal.

Happy Sailing
Randy McCotter

[bradhill]

Thanks to everyone for the input. Re-evaluating everything, the Uflex appears to be the brand I will be installing before the ice melts on the lake. It will be nice to turn the wheel with one finger instead of musceling with two arms on our

[Luke]

Steering system replacement

Last month I decided it was time to replace the original steering system
in my 1999 26x. It is among the few 1999 models with rotary steering.
It has the Morse rotary system that is no longer available.
A rack and pinion system will not fit inside the pedestal.

I called the Macgregor factory and asked which system to buy.
The advice was to buy the Teleflex Rotary SS132.
I ordered the SS132 from Surplus Unlimited. Nice people.

The SS132 fits in the pedestal but it has the stiff no feedback clutch that I do not like.
I exchanged the SS132 for a SS137.
The SS137 has a smooth action but it is physically too large to fit inside the helm.

I called Teleflex, and after two weeks of phone tag, a sales manager called me.
He told me that Teleflex has a new product that will work in the Macgregors needing a rotary system.

The new Teleflex product is the HPS system.
The helm part number: SH5180P
The Bezel part number: SB27484P
The cable: SSC63XX (XX is the length in feet)
The new cable has a stainless steel end.
This is the end that corrodes on the original Morse cables.

I called my dealer to order it. They had not heard of the new HPS.
Two weeks ago this new HPS system was not described on Teleflexs website.
The dealer called Teleflex for pricing and availability.
The dealer got back to me with a 3-4 week lead-time and a price around $200 for the complete system.
The systems are built to order.

I could not wait a month for the new system so I called Blue Water Yachts.
Blue Water is sending me the U-flex system and it will arrive in a few days.

Luke
DreamChaser
1999 26X

[trapeze]

The PO installed a Seastar (Teleflex marine) hydraulic steering system in my 96 26x. It is all I have known so I have nothing to compare it to. It steers like a dream and will hold whatever position I leave it in.

[Duane Dunn, Allegro]

A sail boat needs a direct mechanical link between the rudders and the wheel so you can feel the boat as it responds to the wind. That's why you won't find hydraulic steering on even the biggest sailboats. The same is true for the no feed back mechanical systems. You what feedback. You want to feel the load on the rudder.

You'll be very happy with the UFlex unit.

[trapeze]

Duane,

Pardon my ignorance. What am I missing with my set up. What information should I be getting out of the wheel, and what do you do with this information? As this is my first sailboat, the hydraulic steering is all I know.

Scott

[Duane Dunn, Allegro]

Quite simply you are missing the feel.

When sailing you often have the rudders at a slight angle to the true track. As the wind builds in puffs and the boat gains weather helm the load increases. Being able to feel this load is important to holding the optimum course and feeling the wind and water. Since a hydraulic system will not push back and allow the rudders to turn the wheel you loose this feel.