Mechanical Steering Model Guide
Basic mechanical steering systems come in two main types: Rack & Pinion and Rotary. Rack & pinion systems take up a lot more horizontal space behind the steering wheel, requiring a wide dash, while rotary systems are much more compact at the helm, and can fit into tighter spaces.
The number of turns lock-to-lock varies with each system. Generally, a lower number means faster steering, but more effort required. A higher number means slower steering, with less effort.
Some kits come with a NoFeedBack (NFB) feature, which locks out steering loads coming from the outboard.
Dometic (SeaStar Solutions) offers several models in each type, which have varying features and turns lock-to-lock. See the below table for a comparison:
| Series | Type | Turns | NFB | Model | Cable | Max HP | Max MPH |
|---|
| SS132 | Rotary | 3.0 | Y | NFB Safe-T II | SSC62 | 100 HP | 50 MPH |
| SS137 | Rotary | 3.0 | N | Safe-T QC | SSC62 | 60 HP | - |
| SS147 | Rotary | 4.2 | Y | NFB 4.2 | SSC62 | 130 HP | 50 MPH |
| SS141 | Rack & Pinion | 4.0 | N | The Rack | SSC134 | 75 HP | - |
| SS151 | Rack & Pinion | 4.0 | Y | NFB Rack | SSC134 | 150 HP | 50 MPH |
| SS152 | Rack & Pinion | 4.0 | Y | Dual Rack | SSC135 | 300 HP | 55+ MPH |
