1985 Charger Bass Boat Steering Problems - Need Advice!

Hello all. I recently purchased a 1985 Charger Bass Boat with a 1988 Mercury 150 Black Max XR4. It's kind-of a project boat, and I started getting everything ready for spring fishing season this weekend. Here's the problem: The steering was frozen solid. I spent the weekend trying to get it unstuck. I finally got it to move with a propane torch and some WD-40, but it is not going to turn easily. I then decided to replace the cables - and this is where I am now having problems and need advice. The steering system is an old Detmar (Detroit Marine Engineers) Rack and Pinion Dual Cable System. Detmar doesn't make cables any more, and it would probably be cheaper to put in a whole new system anyway. I have a few options to choose from. Can anyone help me with this? I could do one of the following:

1. Try to find some old Detmar cables to replace the old ones (Approx. $130/cable)
2. Buy a new Dual Cable Rack and Pinion System (Teleflex NFB $390)
3. Replace the old system with a Single Cable Rotary System (Can I even do this - replace a dual rack and pinion with a single cable rotary system?)
4. Replace the old system with a Dual Cable Rotary System

Also, is it really necessary to have the NFB (No feedback) system? There are so many options - and I haven't the slightest on what to do. Any help you guys could give me with this problem would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Go with number two
or better yet put in A hydro sysetm well worth the money IMO
Don't go cheep on your steering system you will regret it http://xs-s.com/zf/images/smile/emthup.gif

NFB is only needed if you don't like steering wheel torque. If you make very long runs and get tired holding a torquey wheel for any length of time, the NFB will feel a little better. Standard dual cable steering is fine for most applications and it will be cheaper. NFB steering will still have feel as it may be harder to steer against torque than with it but it just won't allow the motor to pull on the steering wheel which, in certain cases can be dangerous. If money is an issue, go with whichever suits you, dual cable or dual cable NFB.
If money isn't such a big issue, go hydraulic.
Do NOT go single cable with a V6 motor, ever.

Go with 2 or 4.

where are you finding the dual NFB for $390??

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by perfect-storm &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">NFB is only needed if you don't like steering wheel torque. If you make very long runs and get tired holding a torquey wheel for any length of time, the NFB will feel a little better. Standard dual cable steering is fine for most applications and it will be cheaper. NFB steering will still have feel as it may be harder to steer against torque than with it but it just won't allow the motor to pull on the steering wheel which, in certain cases can be dangerous. If money is an issue, go with whichever suits you, dual cable or dual cable NFB.
If money isn't such a big issue, go hydraulic.
Do NOT go single cable with a V6 motor, ever. </TD></TR></TABLE>

+! no single cable on a V6 Motor................................