Custom Steering Arm

[pcmb]

I have been looking at the picture of the Quick Release steering arm provided by Bluewater Yachts and wanted to get some feedback as to how this works

Q1. Are you able to lower and raise the engine with the arm attached? The arm is not in-line with the axis of rotation of the engine -it seems as though you need at least 2 degrees of freedom

Q2. Can the engine be raised and lowered from both fixing points?

Q3. Has anyone used the arm with an Evinrude E-Tech 50hp motor?

Thanks

[Rockabill]

Hi pcmb,
I've recently bought one of these to replace the stock McGregor outboard linkage and am in the middle of fitting.

You can raise and lower the engine from both fixing points. Both ends have a 'ball and socket' arrangement with a spung loaded sleeve on the socket which captivates the ball. In the horizontal plane you get 360 degree rotation and in the vertical plane I would estimate +/- 10 degrees.

I did find when fixing the bracket which supports the rod when the engine is disconnected from the steering care was needed in positionioning to ensure the fixing at the transom is not stressed as the engine is lifted. With the rod connected to the engine and the other to the bracket, I simply held the bracket in different location, raised the engine and felt if thier was any force trying to push the bracket. Kept doing this until I found the right mounting position.

I've also found with the BWY linkage I get more left /right throw with the rudders and engine. I can't quite explain this yet.

Have to say the product is very well made and would suggest anyone who is considering buying the stock item should consider one of these first.

I can not help with the Evinrude installation. Mine is a Yamaha 50hp and I had to shorten the length of the rod. However, I feel it is such a good product it is worth spending a little time to modify If it does not fit as supplied.

One further comment, I had excellent service from BWY. I live in Ireland. 5 days before visiting Chicago, I asked them to ship to my Hotel. The goods arrived on time. Another dealer I was trying do business with were to busy at a boat show (BWY were at the same show) and could not ship an order until after I had left the USA.

[Shane]

Q1. Are you able to lower and raise the engine with the arm attached? The arm is not in-line with the axis of rotation of the engine -it seems as though you need at least 2 degrees of freedom

Q2. Can the engine be raised and lowered from both fixing points?

Q3. Has anyone used the arm with an Evinrude E-Tech 50hp motor?

Thanks

Q1: Yes
Q2: If you mean attached to the steering rod as 1 point and blocked off on the stationary block the 2nd point, Yes.

Note: While you can raise the engine while attached to the steering linkage they don't (nor do I) recommend it. The load of the engine is then transferred onto your steering assembly. If you are holding the wheel tight with the engine aligned straight ahead that's okay, but if you let go of the wheel, the engine will roll over onto one side, whipping the wheel around and slamming to the side. I've done it once (without damage), but don't recommend making a habit of it.

For me it happened when we were first sailing and left the motor idling in case we got ourselves into trouble. When things were going smoothly, I decided to kill the engine and raise the motor -forgetting I still had the steering linkage connected....Slam.

Now I make a practice of whenever I lower the rudders for sailing (after motoring out) I include disconnecting the linkage as part of the same proceedure.

Q3: Don't know

Regards,
Shane

[tangentair]

One consideration that was pointed out to me regarding disconnecting the motor, the only reason to reconnect it in a hurry is in case of an emergency. Do you want to be hanging over the rear end trying to reconnect it then? I haven't had problem with it tilted and still connected, maybe I just got lucky and got a good stearing cable.

[Catigale]

Without trying to rekindle this debate, an on at least, you can leave the motor down with minimal effect on most points of sail.

owners have reported a bigger effect, YMMV

[Russ]

Yes you can leave it connected. As Shane pointed out though, the motor might pull sideways and yank the wheel. If you don't have this problem with your current connector, it may not occur with you.

It's VERY easy to connect/disconnect. Takes 2 seconds. Like one of those quick disconnect garden hose connectors.

[Trouts Dream]

Light winds I disconnect and raise the motor.
In heavy winds I tend to leave the motor down, just in case. Not a noticeable drag in heavy winds, and if I'm reefed, who cares as I'm already depowering.
I have an X

[Scott]

Home depot sells a Mac specific kit for around $5 for the galvanized version and around $8 for the stainless, I splurged!!

[Frank C]

Home depot sells a Mac specific kit for around $5 for the galvanized version and around $8 for the stainless, I splurged!!

[Russ]

Home depot sells a Mac specific kit for around $5 for the galvanized version and around $8 for the stainless, I splurged!!

LOL

I like the simplicity.

So what keeps the wingnut from vibrating loose?

My luck, I'd drop the thing in trying to screw it on.

[Rockabill]

tangentair Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2008 11:11 am Post subject:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

One consideration that was pointed out to me regarding disconnecting the motor, the only reason to reconnect it in a hurry is in case of an emergency. Do you want to be hanging over the rear end trying to reconnect it then? I haven't had problem with it tilted and still connected, maybe I just got lucky and got a good stearing cable.

The consideration in this situation is the engine can still be lowered whilst not connected to the steering and the engine used to power the boat. Steering being provided by the ruddders.

[Scott]

So what keeps the wingnut from vibrating loose?

Nothing. I do check it as part of a pre-sail checklist and I carry 2 or 3 spares in case I forget but if you are a perfectionist a small hole and a tension cotter key would work wonders.

I have lost a wingnut from the original steering mount but not from the steering disconnect in 3 or 4 years of use.

On edit: Looking at the pic I realize that the part you cant see is the nut (non locking) that is sandwiched between the washers and inside the eye bolt. It keeps the movement to a minimum.