Struggling with drum and pulley steering

[mgsolakis]

Everything is set up already I just need to wind the wire around the drum. The drum has a single hole the wire feeds through and the drum has two sides. The issue seems to be that when I turn one way the tension in the wire loosens on the other side and when I turn it back it does not stay in the drum. Any help would be great. Does all the wire go on one side or both sides?

[adam1961]

You will need to wind it on the drum before you run it to the back of the boat. If it is a typical setup with one cable down each side of the hull, then the cables need to leave from the top of the drum. If you want to turn right, the motor needs to point left. That means you need the left cable to wind onto the drum as you turn it to the right. It is a two person job. I find that when I set up new cables, I need to go back a day or two later and tighten the system up. The cable will seat in the drum and get used to all of the bends

[mgsolakis]

Thanks for the advice, when the motor is centred how much play should be on either side of the drum?

[adam1961]

I am not sure what you mean by "play". I find that about 5 wraps of the drum on each side of the divider is enough for most boats. The motor should start to turn as soon as the wheel is moved. The springs at the rear of the boat should keep the cables snug and well seated on the drum.

[stanley]

This has been posted on this forum before.

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[mgsolakis]

That diagram really helps I have been winding it the wrong way. I’ll make another attempt tomorrow.

[chinewalker]

And, there should be no play in the system. The cables should be guitar-string snug.

[mgsolakis]

Okay so I followed the diagram as best I could, I can’t see the back that well. I tightened it down and now it won’t turn either way.

[stanley]

Post as many pictures as you can.What motor are you hooked up to?How are you attached to it?A cable in each side of boat?You may have to loosen the screws or bolts that determine how easily the motor swivels.

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[mgsolakis]

Sorry I can not seem to find a way to post pictures on the site. If anyone can help with that let me know. The wire goes back both sides of the boat, through guides and a pulley at the back corner. Then it goes to a pulley at the motor, (one on each side) and then back to the spring where it ties off. Just like the picture you posted Stanley.

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