1977 f280 steering problems

[myoutboards]

hello, all. i just got my first inboard boat, a 1977 trojan F280 with dual 5.8 fords. my question is this:

the steering is from the upper station, well actually its from the fly bridge( there is none inside the cabin) anyways, i have the old style chain and sprocket style of steering. today, on my maiden voyage, one of the chain sprockets busted a keyway off the shaft that goes down from the flybridge . i dont like this setup AT ALL!!! wayyyyyy too much stuff to break.

can i ditch this whole system and go to the good old hydraulic style? if so, does it need to be of a certain power or caliber? i know this is a big boat, but ive sen bigger cnter consoles with hydraulic steering moving 3 and 4 engines.

any info would be appreciated as i am a COMPLETE newbie in the inboard world. i am a previous outboard mechanic and used to customize fishing skiffs previously, so i am not new to boats in general.

thanks and have a great day.

mike

myoutboards@yahoo.com

[jav]

yes, you should be able to swap over to hydraulic steering without issue (other than cost). My boat still has the chain drive system , (2 stations) and it's never failed. My boat is a 1974. A snapped key is pretty rare - unless your talking about a shear pin?

Each system has it's pro's and cons. Most newer systems are Hydraulic and if your contemplating an autopilot, I would definitely make the switch. If your just looking for good reliable steering, service what you have and you'll have many years of service at a fraction of the cost of the swap.

[rossjo]

I too have the old chain drive, and had to rebuild my lower gear box (spacers behind bevel grears to push them together more - it had been run dry for years and the gear faces were worn), but it works great (lube the box!).

Hydraulic is expensive, and an extenvie replacement,. If hydraulic loses fluid, it doesn't work, while the old chain system is pretty reliable (in my opinion).

How many other people have the chain drive?

[jddens]

I have the chain system in my 1972 F30 fly bridge....work great.

[jordan]

Chain drive in my 76 F32, works smooth. Made it easy when I had to remove the bridge for trucking.
Jim