Hydraulic steering for a M

[TonyHouk]

This is for the M owners. Could someone contact me through the private messages? I would like to see the interior and exterior pictures of the steering system the way Roger has it set up. I’m just wondering if it could be converted over to a hydraulic system. I really like the hydraulic on mine and was seeing if I could help you M owners. Tony

[Lars H]

That would be great Tony. I have a 2013 M. Last year was my first season with the original wheel steering and it was not as responsive as the tiller on my old 7.2 S2. I assume the slop in the original setup was intentional? Wind Dancer had minimal use so unlikely wear but possibly tear. I will take pics tomorrow.

[dustoff]

Maybe you could design a system that has a hydraulic with a disconnect that allows some degree of feel when sailing. Up-engined would probably benefit by having power assist, but the lack of feel in the steering when just under sail is also not great. Just a thought.

Dustoff

[TonyHouk]

It really doesn’t matter at this point. I’ve asked twice to have someone send me pictures and no one has done that. In the mean time I’ll enjoy the hydraulic system on my X.

I’m not too particular and just sail without the feel of the rudders. My hydraulic system hooks up to the motor and the rudders piggyback to it. I have a quick disconnect from the engine to the rudders but the motor is always controlled.

Have fun, tony

[Lars H]

One outside pic of 2013 stock 26M steering with Yamaha T60
Several inside

[Lars H]

One more inside pic

[Russ]

I haven't been able to get to my boat for pictures. It was hot as heck and I crawled back in there to try and take some pics.

Here's a video. Like the photos above, the steering is connected to the metal rudder arm. That is then connected via the tube to the Port side arm.

What I didn't capture and I will try again is how the arm is connected to the tube protruding from the motor well that attaches to the motor.

You can see it in Lars' photo. The arm moved horizontally to control the motor direction. Mine has the BWY quick connect that allows it to be separated from the motor and hold the motor center. I'll try and get a photo next time.

[TonyHouk]

Looking at the pictures, it seems like it would be easy to make a bracket for the hydraulic system that outboards use. With the way M’s use the secondary attachment to the motor you could detach the rudders from the motor easy enough and still retain steerage. Looks like a possible mounting bracket would fit under the motor well “bulge” and be able to connect to that bar that connects the two rudders. It would be nice if there was a M near Charlotte for me to look at.