Boat Stuff Steering Bushing 4 Pack Full Length

These are PETG plastic bushings to reduce play in the steering. They are added to the deflector nozzle where the steering rod connects.

Previously I used a set of 5/16 aluminum bushings that I drilled out to fit. This year I switched to this 3D printed design which further reduces the steering play.

Two are needed for installation. The second pair is for future replacement.

This is where the bushings discussion started - Adding bushings to steering deflector nozzle to increase precision (remove slop)

I recommend adding marine grease or silicone grease on all surfaces when you install these. I use a small syringe minus the needle to apply the grease.

To order click the "Buy now" button in the top right corner or click on this sentence which will take you to PayPal.

 

[mark_m]

Thanks Bruce!

 

[Cambo]

Just purchased

 

[F.M.]

I'll take a set too. Just ordered. Thanks for taking the time to make this stuff @Bruce.

 

[robertr]

purchased, thanks Bruce

 

[jgourlie]

ordered

 

[motomandan]

ordered!

 

[Gym]

Fits all boats (2006 SX230) @Bruce?

 

[Bruce]

Fits all boats (2006 SX230) @Bruce?

I believe that all Yamaha’s have the same steering cable / nozzle lever sizing.

The bolt should be roughly 1/4” and the opening 5/16”.

 

[Cambo]

Has anyone looked into an extension for the threaded cable end I was trying to toe in the jet nozzles but you run out of threads . Or an adapter to go on the end maybe you could print a prototype and have someone fabricate it from aluminum. Plenty of room to thread the current piece in . This would help with directing the wake in to help with surfing.

 

[Steve212x]

Ordered!

 

[2kwik4u]

Has anyone looked into an extension for the threaded cable end I was trying to toe in the jet nozzles but you run out of threads . Or an adapter to go on the end maybe you could print a prototype and have someone fabricate it from aluminum. Plenty of room to thread the current piece in . This would help with directing the wake in to help with surfing.

For another thread (or PM), but woudl you want it "changeable" in the water? I can see making a "dual length" setup where you could simply pull a pin and more to another adjustment spot. It would be relatively easy to draw/fabricate, and there are many places online to get pieces machined.

I'll draw it up if you have a sketch.

 

[Bruce]

@Cambo, you can extend the steering cable rods using coupling nuts and threaded rod. @ArmyChief did this on his 192.

I am not certain what the diameter or thread pitch is but you should be able to take the end connector into a hardware store and at minimum find out what will fit them order online. A Fastenal store should be able to take care of you. I would get stainless hardware if possible.

 

[Bruce]

I know that several sets of these have been delivered. How did they survive mailing?

 

[robertr]

packaging is perfect for these, mine came in yesterday, took her out today for a little cruise on the bay, steering feels a lot better, now just need to fix the play at the helm and shuld be good to go
thanks Bruce

 

[F.M.]

Mine came 2 days ago, packaging was perfect. Got them on this morning. Won't have a chance to try it out until Saturday though.

 

[mark_m]

I know that several sets of these have been delivered. How did they survive mailing?

Bruce,

The bushings arrived quickly and perfectly. The packaging / bubble envelope was perfect.

Thanks!
Mark

 

[Steve212x]

Mine are in bound. Glad to hear these work well! Great job! What else do you 3D print?

 

[Cambo]

Received and installed perfect fit snugs it up very nice . Hopefully I can get out this weekend for a water test there is still play in the gates from the bushings on the nozzle maybe new bushings could be printed but most of it has been eliminated and now the play is mostly rotational . What these should help with is slow speed steering it will keep the nozzles pointed further when going full stop to stop on the steering wheel. Also high speed the steering should be more responsive and reactive. Those little pieces installed from the factory always bothered because they had a lot of slop when the nozzles are at full stop , or just adjusting steering from center to left or right . Measuring the the nozzles at full stop they only pitch by 1 1/2 ” the water flowing through will want to force them straight the bushings take out the lateral play . If these bushings take out 1/8” that would equal an 8.3% increase in the angle of water projection. This should amplify the back end of the boat to react faster by an even larger percentage due to the characteristic of the jet wash length and how it gives the boat the energy to move forward . We are basically driving one or two high pressure fire hoses if you shift the spray slightly from the nozzle the end projection moves dramatically . Great job Bruce !!!!

 

[Bruce]

Glad they are arriving safely. I worried about sorting machines crushing them.

What else do you 3D print?

This is a fun question to answer.

I bought the first printer after struggling to build a waterproof controller for this twin jet vessel for my son. It is best for him to swim for an hour then relax. This helps with relaxing.

@justason who designs cases for a living and I shared a lot of jokes about the $500, $600, $700 and finally $800 joystick boot.

I learned a lot through that process and ended up with a heavily upgraded printer.

This is the current controller.

These are some of the items I have printed. For the boating world GPS covers and bases, key switch lockers for 230s (blue) and 240s (white) to prevent the switches rotating, shim plates to replace nickels that are often used under the clean out port hatch, swim ladder plugs (not pictured) and even ladder straps. Last Halloween I printed pumpkins, black cats and glow in the dark skulls for my kids to hand out at school. There is a multicolor catapult in the middle and a multicolor vertical windmill that I need to mount in the yard back right. The are four face shield frames one of which is assembled. We printed and gave away over a thousand face shields before they were commercially available. The white pointy thing is a beverage entry tool that I give away to kids with muscular dystrophy. I printed PVC pipe fittings to build a garden fence at unusual angles there is one on the left and a smaller piece in the middle. Finally there are components from the bumper boat controller some of which are printed in highly flexible NinjaFlex filament.