Wanted: Zodiac/bombard crossbar steering set up

[Stevem]

Pm if you have anything, thanks.

[Fenlander]

Be interested to hear how you get on if you find one. I'd always thought if you could be bothered with the setup they'd balance the Aerotec perfectly one-up.

But having just tried mine on holiday solo with me on the seat I found it was quite twitchy with bow steer effects. Mind you I guess you could help this a bit by moving the fuel tank to near the transom.

[jamiegolf]

Got this was going to on put on eBay for £100ono in Redditch going to southampton next week for two weeks


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[Stevem]

Originally Posted by Fenlander

Be interested to hear how you get on if you find one. I'd always thought if you could be bothered with the setup they'd balance the Aerotec perfectly one-up.

But having just tried mine on holiday solo with me on the seat I found it was quite twitchy with bow steer effects. Mind you I guess you could help this a bit by moving the fuel tank to near the transom.

If i can find one i will let you know the results. Dont want to buy new as may not get on with it, however just had a week on Mull at Fidden campsite and there was an Aerotec with steering on the site and it seemed to go really well.

I was thinking of getting a small rib but now not so sure. Would really miss not being able to drag it up the beach so just looking at different options for mine. Im not against using the tiller but will try it on remotes and see which i prefer.

[Stevem]

Originally Posted by jamiegolf

Attachment 115471
Got this was going to on put on eBay for £100ono in Redditch going to southampton next week for two weeks


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Bear with me while i look into it as i would have preferred a complete set up. Im still going to need control box and steering linkage etc.. so will see what i can find.

[jamiegolf]

I also have the linkage for the tohatsu 25/30 cost me 160 last year?


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[jamiegolf]

Control box was sold recently the box is about £220 new


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[Stevem]

Hi Jamiegolf

What length is the cable? Ta.

[jamiegolf]

8ft cheers


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[Stevem]

Hmm, think i need a 10ft cable?

[jamiegolf]

Mine was set up on a 4m sib 👍🏼


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[Stevem]

Because of my seat the crossbar position is fixed. Ive been informed around 10 ft is required, though it does seem a bit long. Can the cable be changed on your unit or is it a sealed unit?

[jamiegolf]

You can wind the cable out yes. Not sure where u would get one. Cheers


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[Stevem]

Is the width adjustable or fixed if so what is the width? Thanks

[jamiegolf]

Yes it adjusts more then you would need it to. Cheers


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[Stevem]

Quick update on this.

Tracked down tohatsu control box and steering link from eBay. Jamiegolf supplied crossbar steering (stamped 8ft cable), throttle, shift cables and all of the linkage bits and bobs, top man all as described and spot on.. Cable lengths are all bang on.

Quick trial on Saturday morning confirmed that my outboard was way too high with my current set up for tiller steering. Back to the garage to get transom back to original state.

Out today on Sunday and after testing various outboard heights using different blocks of wood and playing with the trim on the 25 2 stroke I found that I got the best results using the steering system with no extra outboard height and the outboard trimmed either all of the way out or second from last hole. Couldn't quite believe no engine splash over the transom! Think this shows just how critical the weight distribution is on the Aerotec.

It jumps up immediately on the plane but I did notice at wot that the steering seems a bit vague. This was a bit of a worry at first but I think this will actually be fine. How often do you need to do a full lock turn at wot? Slowing down slightly and I feel it digs in a lot better.

I have a bit more tweaking to do, moving fuel tank etc but overall very happy with the steering set up.

[Fenlander]

>>> steering seems a bit vague.

Can you explain more how that manifests itself? It's not what I call bow steer due to having a bit too much weight forward is it?

[Stevem]

Reading up on bow steering, I think you are right, too much weight forward with the bow too low.
This will explain the need for no engine raiser. Also outboard trimmed all of the way out or is this ok practice.
The wake was good with limited splash so I feel almost there but no doubt when I move more weight towards the transom I will have other issues to deal with like the dreaded splash.
I think I need to experiment a bit more and will move anchor bag and fuel nearer to the transom next time out. Couldn't really do that this time out as I use a fuel bag but will take the plastic fuel tank next time.
Would a four blade prop help? Maybe a bit but not sure if better weight distribution is the answer.
I think it's worth investing a bit more time and effort into this as if I can get it spot on it will be a great set up.

[Stevem]

Tested again today.
Anchor and fuel moved to the transom. Took iPad with Navionics for the gps.
Wot came in at 23 knots and steering still vague as you say David bow steering.
Dropped the power and I got more feel the lower speed I went. Noted on the iPad at 17 knots the steering was totally fine which I'm happy with as its a great cruising speed for this set up.
It's not perfect but maybe I was expecting too much. Something which came home as I dragged the boat on its transom wheels up quite a steep slipway with no problem. It's a light boat so with one up I think I am going to have to compromise.

[Fenlander]

Are you sitting on the seat in its standard position?