[SpencerSS]

I see most opting for the cable system. Has anyone ever tried hydrolic lines like for an outboard?

I'm trying to think of a way to have a detachable fan and controls; like my light setup.

 

[SpencerSS]

I'm thinking 18hp. I've been looking at everything from 16-24hp, Honda and B&S. I don't want to much weight, my boat is only 16.5'x52"

 

[SpencerSS]

Anybody? Ideas?

 

[markland]

I have push-pull steering with electric linear actuator, but I have my fan and shround mounted to the fan stand with a double plate, pull 4 bolts and take fan off boat, just have to unclip throttle cable, pull fuel line and unhook battery cables and I could have my whole fan off my boat in about 15-30mins.

 

[mudfish]

Seastar helm set up.

I had my set up to remove fan easy.

http://www.parker.com/portal/site/P...d=43cb5242ade5c110VgnVCM10000032a71dacRCRD&vgnextfmt=EN&Keyword=QUICK+COUPLINGS

 

[SpencerSS]

Thanks guys. That gives me some ideas.

 

[SpencerSS]

I have push-pull steering with electric linear actuator, but I have my fan and shround mounted to the fan stand with a double plate, pull 4 bolts and take fan off boat, just have to unclip throttle cable, pull fuel line and unhook battery cables and I could have my whole fan off my boat in about 15-30mins.

How does the electric actuator feel? Is it similar to hydrolics; like it keeps the fan straight when the stick is vertical, turns right when pushed forward, left when pulled back; stopping when the stick stops?

 

[Aquatic Undertaker]

How does the electric actuator feel? Is it similar to hydrolics; like it keeps the fan straight when the stick is vertical, turns right when pushed forward, left when pulled back; stopping when the stick stops?

Effortless! I have one on mine, but I have a twist steer like most drum and cable style sticks "L" shaped. Push the button left and the stick moves left. Push the button right and stick moves right....no pushing or pulling required at all! I went with the twist style steering stick because I like that the stick points in the direction that the boat is turning....makes it easy for other people to drive while I've got a fish on.

 

[cocoloco]

This was my rig. I am using it now. That is an, aluminum, split, go cart sprocket. The gear motor is similar to an automotive wiper motor. Those are pvc, and rubber bearings. This was supposed to hang off of the back of my pond hopper.

 

[markland]

How does the electric actuator feel? Is it similar to hydrolics; like it keeps the fan straight when the stick is vertical, turns right when pushed forward, left when pulled back; stopping when the stick stops?

Yes exactly and like Aquatic said your stick just goes along for the ride to give you an idea of where the fan is pointed. Since I know by my stick positioning where my fan is I can tell without looking plus my throttle and steering control switch is on my steering stick as well, I just lay my hand on top of the stick and run the switch with my thumb and throttle with either of my fingers. Effortless!

 

[sticknmofish]

How is the reaction time when you turn it? Does the fan move as soon as you move the stick, and will it move as fast back and forth as fast as cable type system?

 

[markland]

I can go 360 degrees on my fan in under 3 seconds whether under full power or not. It moves as soon as you hit the button and is actually too fast for small adjustments but plenty fast enough to make big changes when you need to turn quickly. Best thing is when you let off the switch the fan stays in place and will not move. You get use to it and what to do when you need it.

 

[sticknmofish]

Do you happen to have the specs on the controls and the acuator? Im thinking this may be the way to go to make the airboat rudders turn with ease, just not sure about the reaction time for driving.

 

[Art of Flight]

X 2

 

[markland]

I would not recommend this system for rudder controls on an airboat being your main propulsion and the fact that you need to be connected directly to your stick to control the boat at high speeds.
If I suffer any complications with the air fan it is not a life or death situation and I can disconnect my actuator with 2 pins and go back to using my standard stick steering. You loose steering on an airboat under power and you are at the mercy of the situation.

 

[sticknmofish]

Good point maybe i will look into hydraulic.

 

[markland]

Hydraulic is a no-go as well, another component to possibly fail at the wrong time not to mention that with hydraulic there is no return to zero your stick could end up being just about anywhere.

 

[SpencerSS]

Mark, could you still post the specs, and maybe some pics; I might give this route a try.

 

[mudfish]

Yep hydraulic stay right where you left it, else something failed!!

 

[carpmjh]

I have the hydraulic also and its very nice. It's also very expensive and you sometimes have to look back to see where the fan is pointed. Mark's push pull system with an electric actuator seems to be the best option for bigger fans IMO. For a smaller fan on a budget I would stick with cables and drums or sprockets. On a big fan I don't want to have to fight it all night so hydraulic or electric is the way I would go.