So we are guessing another Offshore Powerboating Forum doesn’t like the truth to be told. In what started out as an amicable relationship and effort to support the boating industry, Power Boat Nation approached another Offshore forum leader with the offer to extend our extensive technical support database to their members and pay to have a banner advertisement placed upon their site to show good faith and financial return, Unfortunately during initial PowerBoat Nation press launches there was a reference made to the other Offshore boating forums that questioned their real connection with the enthusiasts who support the forums. While sitting in “Ivory Towers” and receiving millions of dollars in revenue and not giving back to the industry.

This was taken as a direct hit to the other offshore boating forum as “Full Exposure” of their business model. While the reaction reeks of acknowledgment of such, it just shows the world of Powerboating forums are about to undergo a radical righting of the ship. Powerboat Nations commitment to continually give back to its members and future advertisers will for once expose and hold those corporate bandits that pilferage the hard earned money from our Powerboating community. The question to you is: What has your forum community given back to you?

On a quest for a Offshore world championship racing title, the Gasse offshore racing team which was piloting their 48′ Marine Technology catamaran was hit hard by apart failure that nearly sank the multi-million dollar boat. As reported by the team mechanic an adjustable water pick up failed due to a poor design. As the water pick up broke it sent hundreds of gallons of ocean salt water rushing into the engine compartment.

Some fast action from team throttleman John Tomlinson who got into the engine compartment and was able to slow the leak long enough to get the boat to the crane to get the boat lifted out and to safety. The salt water intrusion caused major concern for the race team which opted to change out the nearly $400,000 worth of engines to prepare for the next day’s events.

THE BRAND NEW FORUM WITH THE ORIGINAL FEEL

Our world is ever-changing, costs are up,time is accelerating, and you have more options than ever before. As enthusiasts those options mean nothing unless they are available to us at great value.

Powerboat Nation Delivers to you!

NEW RULES!

We are bringing you the PowerBoating world online and we know it has to be the best!

THE NEW PowerboatNation.com EXCLUSIVELY FOR YOU!

We believe our community should give back and reward the member through;

• EXCLUSIVE TECH SUPPORT
• ACCESS TO INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS
• COMMENTARY AND COVERAGE OF POPULAR EVENTS

Most of all, as you share your love for the sport here online with us, we are going load you up with rewards in a way you have never seen before.

MORE SAVINGS AND MORE CONTESTS WITH CASH PRIZES AND PAYBACKS THAN HAS EVER BEEN DONE BEFORE!
WE GUARANTEE IT !! YOUR FORUM EXPERIENCE WILL NEVER BE THE SAME.

WHO IS Powerboat NATION?
We are a team of actual boater, enthusiasts, and industry professionals. Our staffing support is unmatched by any other boating source in the marine industry. You will find us at all of the major events as well as some local or regional events. You will find us represented at West Coast and East Coast boat shows and throwing some of the grandest parties for all of our national and international members. We look forward to you sharing these experiences on-line and in person with us. We own boats and go boating on any given Sunday.

WHO WE ARE NOT !
We are not corporate executives in an ivory tower owning 200 other websites with no face looking at you like a dollar sign and then blasting you with unrelated advertisements. We won’t take your money and not give back anything other than the ability to post online.

Our promise
We are setting the standard for which all other forums will be judged. All we ask is, you watch what we do and share your experiences online with us to make PowerboatNation the best forum experience anywhere. We are not just a forum giving you a place to hang out, were a forum welcoming you into our collective lives and allowing us to share the entire experience on- line. Just like it used to be!

GIVE US A TEST RIDE WE GUARANTEE YOU’LL LOVE WHAT YOU SEE

A proper steering system is a critical factor in achieving good boat handling performance and safe operation. Engine horsepower, proper torque, hull design and boat speed, in their varied combinations exert loads on steering systems. The resulting steering forces vary considerably from boat to boat and motor to motor, therefore you must take extreme care to ensure that the steering system you select matches your application. The following guidelines will assist you in making a steering system selection, and in particular, alert you to potential problem areas.

Mechanical Steering Cable on an Outboard

Hydraulic Steering System on Bravo Drive.
Hydraulic Steering is recommended for larger boats.

With an increase in speed and horsepower, steering forces increase considerably. High performance boats often leave and re-enter the water, momentarily creating high shock loads on the steering system. Additionally, 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 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 operator to maneuver the boat readily at any speed.

Corrosion of steering cables can lead to stiff operation, complete seizure, and/or loss of steering control. 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 manufacturers specifications. Corrosive buildup can be minimized through this simple routine maintenance. Whenever possible, the boat builder and/or dealer should select Hardin Marine 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 a very important consideration. Multiple bends in the cable and small bend radius 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 excessive backlash and cable inefficiency. If an installation requires a 14 foot cable, a 14 foot cable should be used. Do not add unnecessary length.
• Larger boats with displacement hulls and inboard rudders can create steering loads that exceed the capability of mechanical steering systems commonly used on runabouts. Hydraulic steering systems are better suited to function under high steering loads.
• Generally mechanical steering systems can be used on boats up to 35 feet in length, with a maximum working tiller arm load of 300 pounds rotary.
• 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 hydraulic steering system is recommended for these types of boats.
• Hydraulic steering is recommended for all boats, not equipped with power steering, that have a working load of 700 pounds rack or more at the tiller end.
• Maximum steering wheel diameter is 16″.
• Mechanical steering systems should not be used on boats equipped with engines that exceed the maximum horsepower rating of the boat.

For the best possible results, plan your cable routing by the most direct route possible. Bend radius should be 8″ or more. Keep the number of bends to a minimum. In any case, do not bend the cable less than the minimum specified bend radius. Trim settings of outboards and stern drives can markedly affect steering loads and maneuverability of your boat. Motor trim tabs should be set according to the motor manufacturers recommendations. After installation, test your boat for ease of steering though the full range of motor trim angles. Varying trim angles can change steering loads on any given system. Mounting position of an outboard can also affect steering loads and boat handling characteristics. Strictly adhere to the mounting specifications established by the boat builder and engine manufacturer.