flatbotm's 1542 build

[Flatbotm]

I had to order a new steering tube for my 35 hp rude. Removing a rusty old steering tube can be a chore. I had to cut the end off that the steering connects to. I got the new tube from warners dock. About $75 for a new stainless tube. Heres a pic of the new motor.

 

[mmf]

You'll be glad you changed that tube, I have had alot of people bring their boats to me to work on that the steering was "bound" up by rust in the tube, most of them thought they needed a new steering cable but that was not the case. Keep up the good work you're almost there!

 

[Flatbotm]

Thanks MMF. There was no way I could hook up my brand new teleflex steering to that rusty corroded old steering tube. I can't wait to get her on the water. Hopefully she flys with the 35!

 

[Derek]

I cleaned all the corrosion out of mine before installing the motor. Used Never-Seize to keep it moving

 

[reedjj]

Thanks MMF. There was no way I could hook up my brand new teleflex steering to that rusty corroded old steering tube. I can't wait to get her on the water. Hopefully she flys with the 35!

I was flirting with 33mph in my 1542 "SwampSled" running the 25hp merc 2 stroke. If I had been able to raise my motor another inch or 1 1/2 inches it would have been a consistent 33mph. I bet you are close to 40mph with the 35hp on there!

It will be fun the first couple runs, then you'll get used to it and start lookin for a faster prop! LOL! Looks great!

 

[Flatbotm]

Man jj I hope she runs that fast! Derek I would ave saved the steering tube if I could have but it was just too far gone. The new tube is installed and it will get plenty of antiseize. I'm trying to figure out my paint scheme for the new motor before I hang it.

 

[Flatbotm]

That 35 long shaft looks huge on my 1542!

 

[mmf]

Jack plate looks great flatbotm!

 

[Derek]

Are you going to be able to use those Jonson controls with the 35? I assume you don't have a steering arm for the motor, are you going to try to source one or just build one.

 

[Flatbotm]

Yep Derek I'm using the johnson shipmaster controls with all new teleflex cables. I've got the new teleflex steering connected to the motor. Now the only thing I need is the steering arm. The guy I bought the 35 from wouldn't give his up. I did get the end off of the arm that connects to the motor. What do guys usually make them from?

 

[Derek]

The guy I bought the 35 from wouldn't give his up.

hmm I always thought the arms were motor specific, did he have another of the same motor? Anyway, both of the ones I have are bent/formed bar. Don't have a good picture, sorry.
Both of mine only have bends in the vertical direction, to make up the distance between mounting points. They are straight in the direction parallel to the steering tube. I would think you could bend one up out of some plate aluminum then gusset at the bends so you don't have a weak spot. It really depends on the vertical distance between the steering and the motor-side mount.

 

[Flatbotm]

The guy needed money in a hurry so he sold the motor off his boat to me for $300. He said he would find another rude when times were better. I tried to get all the controls from him but he wouldn't part with them. Oh well it shouldn't be too hard to fab something up.

 

[Flatbotm]

Here's what I came up with on my steering.

 

[Derek]

Looks great, almost looks stock. Did you make sure it still clears when the motor is tilted up?

 

[Flatbotm]

Whoops! I forgot to check for tilt clearance. I'll have to check when I get home today. It has a quick disconnect on the motor side so worse case I'll have to pop it off when I tilt the motor. At least until I have time to make another arm.

 

[Derek]

From your picture it looks like it may have enough clearance. I think that is the reason most arms have a bend in them though.

 

[Flatbotm]

I was wondering why they usually have the bend in them. I happen to have another chunk of the threaded tube that I made the steering tube from. Instead of a bend I will probably make a 90 with a small gusset. My smallest die for the bender is 1 in which is way overkill for the steering tube.

 

[Flatbotm]

Well I lucked out everything clears!

 

[Ictalurus]

See, nothing to worry about :lol:

 

[Derek]

nice should be almost ready for a test run?