ETEC Motor Steering Linkage

[RobertB]

I just noticed the steering linkage to the motor (ETEC 60, factory installed ) is kind of bent up and rubbing on the motor well. Probably due to forces from trailering? It consists of two steel angles (long and short leg each) and hardware. I have never been impressed with this design, less so now.

Has anyone installed the BWY setup on an ETEC? Any other suggestions?

Looks like easily rigged with a pair of right angle ball joints and a rod threaded on the ends. Looks like the BWY setup is just a pair of quick disconnect ball joints, rod, and parking stud. Best I have found so far is a part number SQi375 stainless steel quick disconnect 90 degree ball joint and a stainless steel rod with threaded ends. This item has 3/8 inch threads, thus a 3/8 inch dia rod would be used. Sound stiff enough? If not, I always could thread a stud into a larger diameter rod. Also need to find a longer ball stud to reach thru the 1 inch steering tube..

BTW, I know the BWY setup has the quickl disconnect feature, not sure I will ever use it since I like having the motor available quickly in emergencies (preferably NEAR emergencies).

[Ixneigh]

I made a funny little pin that holds the motor linkage to the steering bar but comes off and on easily. I disconnect the engine every time I sail. I found a large knurled knob and drilled it to go on the motor parking stud also. It takes just seconds to connect now.
The factory linkage is not elegant but it does work, with some minor adjustments.

[markh1f]

I have BWY setup on my with an etec 60 and it works fine. With the motor disconected the steering is much lighter and the engine is still usable just locked in the center possition. Boat steers fine that way so long as you don't raise the rudders...

Mark

[RobertB]

Update - now I really hate the stock linkage. Out on the Chesapeake Bay yesterday it transformed itself into a pretzel. All we could accomplish were hard right turns

Was really fun straightening 1/8 x 1 inch cross section steel bar angles on the water on a fiberglass boat.