How do you add a steering system to a boat that doesn't have one?

Question

i have a 16ft utility boat that i would like to put a steering system in with as much low cost as posible.

Answer 1

Connect it to the rudder with a cable.

Answer 2

It's not a complicated procedure.  Your local marina/boat dealer parts store should have everything you need to make it work.

Answer 3

There are several options available, but two of the least expensive I'd think would be go to a boat salvage and buy a steering wheel and cable, and maybe an old console and install it yourself. You should be able to pick up the steering for $50-$80, and the console for around the same price or less, or, get the steering system, and build your own console. Another option is to again, go to a salvage or try ebay and see if you can get a stick steer system. They work very well, on fiberglass and aluminum boats as well..

Answer 4

If your good with fabricating, You could take the steering mechanism from a lawn tracker ( find a riding tractor in the paper that is junk or needs work). This will give you the steering wheel steering shaft to the steering box and the steering box.Buy a universal steering cable (that goes from the steering box to the rear of the boat.Make a bracket that mounts to the side of the boat holding the outer cable stationary and connect the inner cable to the handle of the out board motor ( you'll probably need to make a small plate on the handle for the inner cable to attach to).