Seastar Solutions Rack Steering

Rack and pinion steering is one of the most recognizable mechanical steering layouts in recreational boating, and Seastar Solutions, the marine steering specialist formerly known as Teleflex Marine, is the name most closely tied to it. Its rack steering lineup covers everything from straightforward replacement kits for power-assisted sterndrives to a performance-focused system built for boats that fight engine flutter at the helm.

The Rack: Back-Mount Rack and Pinion Kits

The core of the range is The Rack, sold as the SS141xx series. It is a back-mount design, meaning the helm and cable install from behind the dash. The helm uses a pinion gear that engages a pre-assembled rack and cable to keep steering effort low. It delivers four turns lock-to-lock and suits outboards and virtually all power-assisted sterndrive boats up to 24 ft with wheels up to 16 inches in diameter.

Details that matter when you are matching a kit to your boat:

• A standard 3/4 inch tapered helm shaft and stainless steel cable output ends.
• An armored stranded cable core for durability, with stainless steel ends to minimize corrosion.
• Kits include the cable, helm, bezel and hardware, and are for single-station use only.
• Complete systems and individual cables are offered in one-foot increments, such as SS14112 or SSC13412 for 12 ft.

This is also a popular restoration choice. The current version replaces older 1984-to-date Teleflex "The Rack" steering without the need for dashboard modification.

No-Feedback Pro Rack for High-Performance Hulls

Not every boat is well served by a standard rack. For fast boats with non-power-assisted outboards, the No-Feedback (NFB) Pro Rack is the step up. It pairs Seastar's patented No-Feedback technology with the precision of a dual-cable rack and pinion system. It is aimed at high-performance hulls and motors that suffer engine flutter, instability, or simply need more control at the helm. It is a drop-in replacement for Seastar dual-cable rack systems. Single-cable no-feedback rack kits are also part of the family.

HPS Rack and Xtreme Core Cable

Another option is the HPS Rack, which Seastar positions as a single-cable, four-turn solution for power-assisted sterndrives and outboards. It uses Xtreme core steering cable technology, designed for responsive steering with minimal lost motion. It is intended for sterndrives with enough room behind the dash for a rack and pinion cable.

Choosing the Right Seastar Rack System

• Power assist: The standard rack suits power-steered boats where a No-Feedback system is not required. Non-assisted, high-horsepower outboards may call for the NFB version.
• Cable length: Measure the cable run from helm to engine and choose the matching length.
• Single or dual cable: Standard and HPS kits are single-cable, single-station designs, while the Pro Rack uses dual cables.
• Standards: Seastar's heavy-duty, corrosion-resistant rack systems meet NMMA requirements and ABYC safety standards.

To see how Seastar's wider catalog fits together, visit the Seastar Solutions brand page. If you want to compare other makes of steering hardware, the full Rack Steering category covers every option available.