Willard 7m Konrad Steering Upgrade

capntroy · 16 June 2021, 22:55

I finally stepped up ordered the steering upgrade that Konrad makes for the Willard 7m RIBs that have their outdrive.

The problem is that the original steering system that was installed on the boats that Willard built for the US Navy utilized a very hinky s-connector between the tiller arm and hydraulic ram.

The threaded swivel eyes on this connector have a tendency to snap off under load, leaving you with no steering. We broke 3 in a matter of 8 weeks.

The upgrade removes the s-connector, repositions the ram & uses a straight link.

The upgrade was done a few months back and looks to be a winning system.

Contact Randall at Konrad if you're interested, his number is 715-386-4203.

capntroy · 17 June 2021, 20:52

Some photos of the before & after...

skidoodog · 19 June 2021, 02:00

cool thanks for showing us that.

skidoodog · 19 June 2021, 02:08

cool thanks for showing us that.

Did it affect the steering effort ?
Was it supper expensive ?

Im interested. I don't like the weird angles that are associated with this steering set up.

Cheers,

Dave

capntroy · 19 June 2021, 02:17

Dave - it was about $600 for the parts and you can install it in about 2 hours.
The steering wasn't improved or made any worse, I just have confidence now that the s-connector won't break during a turn & throw everybody out of the boat.
If you want to totally improve the steering; Konrad has a power steering upgrade for these boats that they say will take all of the fight out of the helm and you can steer with your fingertips...no idea of cost on that upgrade.

skidoodog · 19 June 2021, 11:36

That seems reasonable enough price wise for the peace of mind it would bring. You have caused me to give this some serious thought. Power steering too...hmmm.

Thanks again for the good intel.

Cheers,

Dave

capntroy · 19 June 2021, 20:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by skidoodog

That seems reasonable enough price wise for the peace of mind it would bring. You have caused me to give this some serious thought. Power steering too...hmmm.

Thanks again for the good intel.

Cheers,

Dave

Cool, I'm definitely glad they reworked that steering system...