Morse and Teleflex were bought by SeaStar Solutions and their brand names were discountined, but many products are still available under the SeaStar Brand Name. SeaStar was recently purchased by Dometic. Many boaters need to replace their legecy Teleflex / Morse cables and control parts. Below is a cross-reference guide.
Original Cable Part Number<
SeaStar / Uflex Replacement Part Number
ROTARY CABLES
Morse / Teleflex 304411-000-Length or 312020 URC or SSC 290 Command 290/OEM Cable
Archive of Information on Morse Mechanical Steering Systems Provided by Manufacturer
Points to Consider When Selecting a Mechanical Steering System
The proper steering system is a critical factor in achieving good boat handling performance and safe operation. The combination of engine horsepower, propeller torque, hull design and boat speed exerts varying loads on steering systems. Because the resulting steering forces vary considerably from boat to boat and motor to motor, extreme care must be taken to ensure the steering system you select matches the application.
The following guidelines have been developed to assist you in making a steering system selection, and in particular alert you to potential problem areas.
Steering forces increase considerably when the speed and horsepower of the boat increases. High performance boats often leave and re-enter the water momentarily, creating high shock loads on the steering system. In addition, certain hull designs may have a tendency to lose stability at high speeds, a condition commonly called "chine walk."
The speed at which instability begins to occur varies significantly among different type boats. A Morse twin cable or hydraulic steering system is generally recommended for boats moving at higher speeds.
The torque of large outboard motors may cause a boat to veer sharply from a straight heading or make it difficult to bring out of a turn. Mechanical steering systems must have appropriate mechanical advantage for ease of operation, and the steering cable has to be installed free of kinks, sharp bends or obstructions, to permit the boat owner to maneuver the boat readily at all speeds.
Corrosion of steering cables can lead to stiff operation and complete seizure. The steering cable should be regularly inspected for cracks or cuts. If found, the cable should be replaced. If there are no signs of cracking, the cable output end and the engine tilt tube should be cleaned thoroughly, coated with a quality marine lubricant, then properly reassembled and maintained according to the engine manufacturer's specifications. Corrosive buildup can be minimized through this simple routine maintenance. Whenever possible, the boat builder and dealer should select Morse cables which all have stainless steel output ends to reduce corrosion, especially on boats used in salt water. Even then, if a boat is not going to be used for extended periods of time, it is recommended to completely remove the cable output end from the thru tube and properly prepare for storage.
The routing of steering cables is also an important consideration. Multiple bends in the cable and small bend radii will contribute to cable backlash and steering inefficiency. Cables should be routed with as few bends as possible and with the optimum radii achievable.
Excessive cable length results in excess bend radius, contributing to excess back lash and cable inefficiency. If an installation requires a 16 ft. cable, a 16 ft. cable should be used. Do not add unnecessary length.
Larger boats with displacement hulls and inboard rudders can create steering loads that exceed the capacity of the mechanical steering systems commonly used on runabouts. Hydraulic steering systems are better suited to function under high steering loads.
Generally Morse mechanical steering systems can be used on boats up to 35 ft. in length, with a maximum working tiller arm load of 300 lbs.
Some high performance boat engine combinations develop steering instability at high speed. Instability becomes more prevalent in boats faster than 50 MPH. A twin cable system or a Hynautic hydraulic steering system is recommended for these type boats.
Hynautic hydraulic steering is recommended for all boats, not equipped with power steering, that have a working load of 300 Ibs. or more at the tiller end.
Maximum steering wheel diameter is 16".
Morse mechanical steering systems should not be used on boats equipped 'lJith engines that exceed the maximum horsepower rating of the boat.
WARNING
Although Morse Controls designs and manufactures steering systems that meet or exceed all existing industry standards, it should be noted that some high performance boats equipped with high performance accessories such as motor jack plates and high performance propellers can generate steering loads far in excess of 300 Ibs. at the tiller end. It is mandatory that boats equipped with high performance equipment or accessories be water tested to insure that steering loads are within safe operating limits. For more information, refer to the instruction sheet or contact Morse Controls.
Plan the most direct cable route. Keep the number of bends to a minimum and do not bend the cable less than the minimum specified bend radius.
The trim settings of outboards and stern drives can markedly affect steering loads and boat maneuverability. The motor trim tab should be set in accordance with the motor manufacturer's recommendations. The boat should also be tested for ease of steering through the lull range of motor trim angles since varying trim angles can change steering loads on any given system.
The mounting position of the outboard also affects steering loads and boat handling characteristics. Mounting specifications established by the boat builder and engine manufacturer should be adhered to strictiy.
How To Measure for a Steering Cable Installation
An important component of steering function is proper cable installation. Since cable efficiency is reduced by the number of cable bends and the radii of those bends, it is essential to plan the straightest cable path possible. The total of cable bends should never exceed 360°, and no bend should be less than the recommended radius.
If cables must run through ribs, decks or motor well walls, holes should be drilled with adequate clearance. The cable should then be supported with ties or hanger approximately every six feet.
The total of A+B+C is your basic measurement. From that total deduct 4" for every 90° bend in the cable. For installations that are mounted to the transom or splashwell deduct 6". For installations through the engine tilt tube add 6". Round the final total up to the next whole foot.
A = Distance from the center line of the wheel to the gunwale. B = Distance from the dash to the transom. C = Distance from the gunwale to the center line of the transom or engine tilt tube. Total = Basic Measurement
Example: A = 20" + B = 104" + C = 28" = 152" 152" - 8" for two 90° bends = 144" 144" + 6" for a thru-tube installation = 150", Round up to nearest whole foot = 156" (13 ft.)
Example for Transom or Splashwell Mounted Installation: A = 20" + 8 = 104" + C = 28" = 152" 152" - 8" for two 90° bends = 144" 144" - 6" for transom installation = 138" Round up to nearest whole foot = 144" (12 ft.)
How to Identify the Proper Replacement Cable
First remove the entire cable assembly from the boat to insure accuracy in measuring.
All steering cable manufacturers stamp a part number and cable length on the outer plastic jacket of each cable. Most are stamped on the engine end of the cable, but some can also be found on the opposite end. If the part number and length are legible, simply refer to the Steering Cable Replacement Cross Reference Index to find the proper Morse replacement cable number and order the length marked on the original cable.
If the Part Number or Length Can't Be Found
If for some reason the part number or length stamped on the outer jacket is not legible or cannot be determined, it will be necessary to examine the system to determine what type cable you have, and actually measure the length required for proper cable replacement.
Morse has developed a quick method for measuring all cables to determine the cor rect length of the Morse replacement cable. Identify the type system you have from the drawings on the following pages. Then simply measure the length of the outer plastic cable conduit "B" Dimension. Depending on the specific cable manufacturer, the plastic conduit can be red, black, white, grey or green.
Since the actual overall cable length is measured from the center of the steering wheel pinion shaft to the center of the cross hole on the output ram when it's at mid travel, Morse has developed a conversion figure for each system to compensate for the differences between manufacturers' systems.
Take the plastic conduit length ("B" dimension) you have measured and add the prop. er conversion factor (in inches). The conversion factor is found below the Morse Replacement Cables on the following pages. Round up the length to the nearest half or whole foot increment as indicated. The resulting length will be the proper length of the Morse replacement cable you need to order.
Example 1 If you are replacing a Morse Command 200 steering cable and your "B" dimension measures 122", you would add the 30" conversion factor for Command 200 replacement cables. 122" + 30"= 152" Round up to the nearest foot. 152" + 4" = 156" = 13' Command 200 replacement cable.
Example 2 If you are replacing a Teleflex steering cable and your "B" dimension, add the 34" conversion factor for TRC replacement cables. 124" + 23" = 147" Round up to the nearest 1/2 foot. 147" + 6" = 150" = 12'6" TRC replacement cable.
