A year ago in September I bought a 1998 Sylvan Adventurer 1600 with a 90hp Johnson. So far I am well pleased but I have one concern. This is the first time I have ever owned a boat with a steering console. Everything seemed to function fine until later in the fall when air temperatures began to drop. I noticed the steering on my boat began to get very stiff. This spring my steering remained very stiff until about July when the air temperatures again returned to more summertime patterns. The problem appears to be most noticeable at temperatures below about 65 degrees. This problem is significant enough that I feel it is actually a little dangerous.
I disconnected the cable from the outboard and verified that the outboard itself flops like a fish so it isn’t the source of the problem. I also removed the rack from the pinion and lubricated the rack in case that was the problem. I am convinced the cable inside the sheath maybe requires lubricant.
I believe it is a Teleflex brand rack and pinion system. Is it common for these cable systems to get stiff when cold or is there more likely something wrong with my steering cable that needs attention? Is there any practical way for me to lubricate it and if so, would that be a solution?
This fall after I park the boat for the winter I plan to remove the cable, hang it with the rack up, and pour oil into the rack housing. I can’t tell if the oil would be able to work its way into the cable sheath or if it is sealed but I thought it would be worth a try. I also thought maybe I could place the cable in an oil bath for a while and let the oil work its way in from both ends. Don’t know how I’ll do that just yet. Maybe get some PVC pipe, put it inside, fill it with oil and cap the ends for a few weeks.
I just figured that it is easy enough to just get a 3 bank so when the boat is not in use I can keep all 3 batteries charged. I have not bough a charger yet, maybe I will give it some more thought.
Edit: After thinking this over, with the size, weight, and heat output of the charger (as well as the cost) I think it makes sense to just
buy a 2 bank charger, I have a smaller charger i can use on the starting battery when the boat is sitting at home. Forgive me, for i am a retired engineer and I have to obsess over everything...
Congrats on the motor! I think you’ll like it.
I can’t say much on the charger location but I’ve seen them under the lid in back compartments and under center rod lockers. 160 degrees is more than I expected to hear.
Curious why you’re opting for a 3 bank charger with a 24V trolling motor. Unless you don’t feel you be running you big motor enough to keep that battery up as well?
I did buy an Minnkota Ulterra, thanks for the recommendations. I had a bunch of Cabela"s bucks saved up, which helped. Now i need to
get an onboard battery charger. Where do you guys mount these things in your boat? The manufacturer I am looking at {Noco genius)
says tht their 3-bank charger will run at 160 degrees, seems like a lot of heat in an enclosed compartment? Thanks for any input on this.
Wasn't terrible at a state park beach. Antelope island maybe. I wouldn't recommend it as a beach destination tho. Figured I was there, I'm getting in it.
Question
BobT
A year ago in September I bought a 1998 Sylvan Adventurer 1600 with a 90hp Johnson. So far I am well pleased but I have one concern. This is the first time I have ever owned a boat with a steering console. Everything seemed to function fine until later in the fall when air temperatures began to drop. I noticed the steering on my boat began to get very stiff. This spring my steering remained very stiff until about July when the air temperatures again returned to more summertime patterns. The problem appears to be most noticeable at temperatures below about 65 degrees. This problem is significant enough that I feel it is actually a little dangerous.
I disconnected the cable from the outboard and verified that the outboard itself flops like a fish so it isn’t the source of the problem. I also removed the rack from the pinion and lubricated the rack in case that was the problem. I am convinced the cable inside the sheath maybe requires lubricant.
I believe it is a Teleflex brand rack and pinion system. Is it common for these cable systems to get stiff when cold or is there more likely something wrong with my steering cable that needs attention? Is there any practical way for me to lubricate it and if so, would that be a solution?
This fall after I park the boat for the winter I plan to remove the cable, hang it with the rack up, and pour oil into the rack housing. I can’t tell if the oil would be able to work its way into the cable sheath or if it is sealed but I thought it would be worth a try. I also thought maybe I could place the cable in an oil bath for a while and let the oil work its way in from both ends. Don’t know how I’ll do that just yet. Maybe get some PVC pipe, put it inside, fill it with oil and cap the ends for a few weeks.
Any suggestions?
Bob
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