NFB Pro Rack & Pinion Steering Kits - for Dual Cable Applications

NFB Pro Rack systems are suitable for single-station, high performance boats equipped with a single non-power-assisted outboard engine up to V-6 and minimal engine flutter or steering instability.

New Back Mount design installs easily and replaces standard SeaStar Solutions rack steering without dashboard modifications.
• 4.0 wheel turns lock-to-lock provide precise steering

How to Determine the Proper Cable Length to Order —
Although cable length "formulas" are available, installations have so many individual differences that, arguably, the simplest method is to lay a garden hose (or similar object) along the route the cable will follow and measure the distance from the centerline of the steering wheel to the center of the engine connection point with the tiller centered. Order that length of cable.
If you need assistance or have questions, call us at 800-426-6930.


* What is NFB?
NFB stands for No FeedBack, and is an exclusive feature built into SeaStar Solutions helms to fight propeller torque feedback.
In standard mechanical steering systems, the turning of the propeller creates a torque force which can be felt in the steering wheel as a tendancy for the boat to constantly want to turn in one direction. To keep the boat going straight, this veering must be constantly "fought" by the person steering the boat.
A corollary effect is that the boat can be turned in one direction with just one finger, but requires two hands to turn in the other direction. This is especially apparent with larger engines (over 40 - 50 horsepower), as well as at higher speeds.

For about a hundred bucks more than a standard helm mechanism, SeaStar Solutions NFB helms incorporate an internal clutch mechanism that significantly decreases the tiresome effect of prop torque — without having to spend an extra thousand dollars for an hydraulic system to completely eliminate it.

Whereas, when you take your hands off the wheel with a standard mechanical steering system the boat will quickly start to turn of its own accord, with an NFB system that turning tendency will be much slower to start and can be controlled with less effort.
A hydraulic system, on the other hand, will completely eliminate propeller torque feedback, so you can take your hands off the wheel, and the boat will continue to track straight (all other things being equal). Hydraulic steering is a real advantage with larger engines, and is highly recommended for those applications.

In case you were wondering, boats with inboard engines do not experience prop torque since you steer them with a rudder, not by having to turn the entire drive unit and propeller - as with an outboard or I/O.

NFB steering helms should never be used with autopilots, power-assisted steering systems, or second helm stations.
This is because No Feedback Helm Systems have that internal clutch mechanism, mentioned above, which grips the steering wheel shaft and locks it in place whenever you are not actually turning the steering wheel. Therefore, the steering cables are also locked in place.
Any external mechanism - such as a second helm unit or an autopilot - that attempts to adjust the position of the outboard or I/O drive unit - or the attached steering cables - will meet with substantial resistance from the NFB helm clutches, possibly damaging an autopilot or power-assisrt unit.