Rotech Rotary Steering system

Skip Matthies · Post by **Skip Matthies** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 1:22 pm

I have read past postings on the Rotech system for use on the

.

Have those who have installed the Rotech had satisfactory results? One dealer is selling them for $119. USD down from $179. When something sounds too good to be true ........

Any feedback appreciated.
Skip

Frank C · Post by **Frank C** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 1:56 pm

I purchased mine as a 'defensive measure' and I've not needed to install it yet. But don't get misled about the pricing. The more expensive model might sell for $180, but not the basic Rotech. Mine was $135 at Defender.

The more expensive one was branded as Accura, a "non-reversible" or "zero-feedback" steering hub. That just meant that it has internal clutches to hold the steering gear & rudders at the postion dictated by the wheel. The aft linkage couldn't move except when by movement of the wheel, so it's a steering lock, of sorts. The Accura brandname has been changed ... Uflex website will give you more info.

If you search on Rotech you'll find only 6 threads. Several owners who HAVE installed it are documented there, including (IIRC) Argonaut. These members don't visit here day by day, so they might not see your question, but their reviews have been positive. Roger's choice of steering doesn't have the best service history. I'd suggest buying it, even if you don't need it ... yet.

Trouts Dream · Post by **Trouts Dream** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 3:12 pm

I also purchased the Uflex 'zero-torque' steering system with a 10' cable for a 97X. When I went to instal the cable it JUST fits. I mean barely, if I had it to do over I would have gone for the 11' cable and dealt with a small amount of re-routing.
The biggest problem I am finding is the 'zero torque' helm. On my X it interferes wih the engine throttle linkage but more importantly as far as I am concerned there is way too much built in resistance with the clutches. I have called Uflex and they tell me there is some constant resistance with the clutches and I am telling him mine has a lot. Basically I have found when I hold the Uflex helm in my hand (not hooked up to anything) and my wife turns the wheel it has about the same resistance as the old helm and new cable hooked up to the engine and rudders. If I were to modify my helm to install the 'zero torque' helm I will have more resistance than the existing which is contrary to what I paid for.
Presently I am dealing with the on-line company that I purchased from to see if they will exchange my 'zero torque' helm with a non-clutch system.
So far I am not getting anywhere.

Retcoastie · Post by **Retcoastie** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 6:32 pm

I'm taking a guess and thinking these things fit the stock X steering wheel.

Trouts Dream · Post by **Trouts Dream** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 8:20 pm

Frank C · Post by **Frank C** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 2:29 am

Trouts Dream wrote:I also purchased the Uflex 'zero-torque' steering system ...
The biggest problem I am finding is the 'zero torque' helm. On my X it interferes wih the engine throttle linkage but more importantly as far as I am concerned there is way too much built in resistance with the clutches.

You're the second owner, IIRC, to complain about those clutches in Accura (or whatever now called).
I think the Uflex Rotech is the best rotary hub for these boats (the only planetary hub). You could also look up Teleflex for the rack & pinion steering ... also successful as a replacement.

argonaut · Post by **argonaut** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 2:32 pm

If you search, or look here...
Rotech Steering Replacement Thread

..you'll see what you need to see.

Use the cheaper rotech...it's a sailboat, you want feedback!
11' worked on my '97. Took an afternoon of non-serious attention.
Fit right out of the box.
Make sure you have rotary, not rack type steering. Otherwise it's a different ballgame.

Skip Matthies · Post by **Skip Matthies** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 7:15 pm

Argonaut, you bring up a good question to this non engineer type. The shaft from the steering wheel has the big spring with nut on end and there is a long rectangular box on the shaft. Having the week that I am having,(got a ticket for going more that 200' in 2 way left turn lane ???) I will assume that is a R&P setup, not a rotary - the rotary, which sounds a lot easier to install (some guy said he dropped it in only taking 90 minutes).
Any thoughts Frank or Argo. Order both and return one? How can I tell difference. jNi

is 250 miles away at the moment so taking a quick look is out of the question.

I would like to get the part ordered so I could do the fix before a cruise up Lake Mohave to the base of Hoover Dam. Don't want to try to continue to nurse the steering in the current around Willow Beach. The shot of WD 40 did make a slight difference on our last trip to the Isthmus.
Look forward to hearing from you guys - and thanks
Skip

Frank C · Post by **Frank C** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 7:38 pm

The '98 X-boat had a rotary hub. After mid-99, they have R&P.

Either one fits, with this caveat. Your original motor installer had to make the throttle control fit into the pedestal next to the rack. There's always the chance he would have placed it a bit differently if the rotary had been in there. Otherwise, no other issues, methinks.

Skip Matthies · Post by **Skip Matthies** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 8:05 pm

Hello again Frank,
jNi was purchased on New Years Eve 1999. Throttle was ripped out by a would be thief who cut the cables and tried to make off with the engine

- from a locked security patrolled storage lot.

He dropped the engine by the side of the road.

New controls were installed. This could get interesting given my propensity to screw up these projects. But hey, that how we learn -right

Anyway
I'll order the R&P Uflex. BoatStoreUSA.com looks like the best deal at $127. Can't find the Telex others had talked about but the Uflex sounds great.
Will let you know how it turns out. Thanks again
skip

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Rotech Rotary Steering system

Rotech Rotary Steering system