Engine & Steering

Attached to your outboard motor, there are two types of steering mechanisms, depending on the horsepower. Mechanical steering systems are common in smaller and older boats, and are frequently combined with lower-powered outboard engines under 100 horsepower. A hydraulic steering system is the other type. In larger vessels, hydraulic steering is used, as the more horsepower you have, the heavier the motor, therefore the harder it is to steer. Both types are sufficient for their original purpose, but you can improve your older mechanical arrangement with a new hydraulic steering system for a smoother steering wheel feel.

To turn the outboard motor, mechanical steering cables extend from the steering wheel and helm. You will find that over the years these steering cables may seize up due to rust, corrosion, or lack of use. We stock replacement steering cables here. These setups are ideal for smaller boats, as they allow for good handling in a variety of conditions. Mechanical steering systems come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Rack and pinion systems have a hollow bar that connects to the steering wheel and a plate with teeth inside. The wire that turns the outboard motors is connected to this. A rod from the steering wheel, on the other hand, spins a gear that links to the teeth in the plate. The two units function nicely together, and the cable spins the motor when you turn the steering wheel, and thus the helm. Replacement steering cables and steering system upgrades/kits are available. The other sort of mechanical steering is rotary systems. These are similar to rack and pinion systems, but they have a cable that wraps around the helm gear. The helm rotates the cable and the motor in lockstep with the steering wheel.

The effects of the wire pushing on the steering wheel make it difficult to change course with mechanical steering. Torque skew is a term used to describe the effect of an overpowered engine turning just the front wheels. Maintaining the proper direction requires some effort. Boaters, fortunately, have other steering options. Outboard motor hydraulic steering systems provide greater precision with less effort. A single finger can efficiently turn any marine steering wheel when used in conjunction with a marine hydraulic steering system. Hydraulic systems are both easier to use and maintain than mechanical systems. They're also better suited to boats with bigger engines. Hydraulic steering systems for boats use hydraulic fluid inside a hose to turn the engine by pushing on a cylinder. The fluid is activated by steering wheel action and pumps in the helm. Directional changes are significantly smoother and more precise. Whether you are tiller steer or forward control, a hydraulic steering system is a dream to operate.

Another evident benefit of hydraulic systems is their high level of precision. Hydraulic steering systems for boats are better at fixing common steering difficulties caused by increased power. Torque steer, which pulls the steering wheel one way or the other, and steering bias make turning in one direction more difficult. Both problems are frequent in mechanical systems with a lot of wear. This makes marine hydraulic steering better suited to larger boats with single outboards exceeding 150 horsepower, where the torque is too much for any mechanical configuration to handle.

Hydraulic steering systems come with everything you need to replace an outdated, worn-out mechanical steering system. Outboard accessories, marine steering wheels, mechanical & hydraulic steering upgrades, boat trim tabs, outboard hydrofoils, gauges, fuel tanks and much more can all be found here.

Why shop with Outback Equipment?

• We’re Australian owned and operated – We’re based right here in the south of Brisbane. If you ever need help with an order or a product, you can call straight through to our friendly local team.
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Order Your Engine & Outboard Motor Accessories Online Today

Stay in complete control of your boat by choosing from the best engine and steering systems Australia has to offer. For a wide range of boat steering systems, shop online to find the finishing touches for your recreational boat today.