Abstract: A power steering system for a marine steering includes a hydraulic cylinder, an actuator block that is mounted on an outer end of a ram of the cylinder, and valving. In one embodiment, the valving is located in the hydraulic cylinder and includes at least one flow limiting valve that, through an initial portion of a stroke thereof, limits fluid flow rates through the valve to a generally constant, relatively low level. This limits the rate of extension or retraction of the ram out of or into the barrel and prevents valve chatter. In another embodiment the valving includes ball-type check valves that are located within the actuator block and that are actuated by a rocker arm assembly in the actuator block.

Abstract: A power steering system for a marine steering includes a hydraulic cylinder, an actuator block that is mounted on an outer end of a ram of the cylinder, and valving. An actuator arm, mounted on the actuator block, is connected to the steering link, to the steering rod, and to the valving. The actuator arm is configured to move on the actuator block upon the transmission of steering command forces thereto by the steering rod to actuate the valving so as to drive the ram into or out of the barrel and to transmit steering forces to the steering link from the actuator block. The actuator block is configured such that it can accept standard steering links of different engine brands.

Abstract: In an outboard motor steering apparatus, a stiff but flexible cable is wound on a reel driven by a reversible motor. The cable extends from a housing containing the reel and connects to a rod within the tilt tube of an outboard motor. The rod is in turn linked to the outboard motor so that steering of the outboard motor can be accomplished by winding the cable onto, and unwinding the cable from, the reel. The cable is guided by a bent channel within the housing so that it extends from a narrow part of the housing located aft of the reel.

Abstract: An outboard motor having a steering control and a rudder reference sensor, both connectible to a computer-operated guidance system. The steering control utilizes a linear actuator connected through a linkage to the motor. The actuator utilizes a rack that moves along the axis about which the motor pivots from its use position to its storage position, thereby enabling the rudder position sensor to remain connected to the motor when the motor is pivoted from its use position to its storage position. The sensor can include a follower disposed in a sloping groove on the rack, a pin on the rack engaged in a helical groove on a cylinder, or an externally mounted sensor connected to the steering linkage through an auxiliary linkage.

Abstract: An outboard motor having a steering control and a rudder reference sensor, both connectible to a computer-operated guidance system, The steering control utilizes a linear actuator connected through a linkage to the motor. The actuator utilizes a rack that moves along the axis about which the motor pivots from its use position to its storage position, thereby enabling the rudder position sensor remain connected to the motor when the motor is pivoted from its use position to its storage position. The sensor can include a follower disposed in a sloping groove on the rack, a pin on the rack engaged in a helical groove on a cylinder, or an externally mounted sensor connected to the steering linkage through an auxiliary linkage.