Moving the steering on a 2010 Outback

Can you move the steering on a 2010 Outback to the right side since I'm left handed. If so I would like to see a picture and know how much the parts cost.

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Mike
2015 Pro Angler 12
Yellow with Humminbird side imaging

I maybe wrong but i dont think you need additional parts.Just move the lines to the other side after you move the metal T that the lines attach too on the opposite side.Of course you will need to drill a new hole though

When I bought my ,then new, outback in 09 I asked dealer about changing to right side as I have a left arm amputation. The dealer was friendly but made it sound very difficult to move steering, so I did not pursue it(I did feel that if I pestered him he would figure something out) Since I had just found a way to kayak one armed (made possible by Mirage Drive). Anyway cutting to the chase, I decided to get a 2 ft. length of aluminum tubing, drilled a hole at one end, then drilled a small hole in the steering thumb lever. I attached the tubing to lever by way of a swivel so it would have unlimited movement, It lays across my lap and is used like a tiller extender on small sailboats. It works well but I may have it switched to the right professionally or might even look into a small servo, and have push button control (high cool factor) but cost and harshness of marine environment will probable leave me with what I have (and am quite satisfied with).
good luck,
one armed bandit

I know they have a right side steering conversion for the Pro angler. I'm not sure if it will work on the outback.

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Mike
2015 Pro Angler 12
Yellow with Humminbird side imaging

I was looking at my outback and it looks pretty easy.The lever will fit where the handle is on the right side, just remove the handle and drill a new hole for the metal T post.

nashman I hope your right. I would like for matt or someone to say it would be ok or have seen it done before.

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Mike
2015 Pro Angler 12
Yellow with Humminbird side imaging

nashman I think you are right. I was snowed in the last couple of days an I worked on rigging my Outback. I think if I bought and installed a soft handle like on the left side of my kayak, drilled a hole and installed a UHMW bushing on the right side I could move the steering there and it would be fine. I'm going to use the kayak a few more times to make sure I want it on the right side before I go through all that trouble, but I know it's doable. If the lake is thawed out by Sunday I'll make my second voyage.

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Mike
2015 Pro Angler 12
Yellow with Humminbird side imaging

Dont listen to me i have no idea what i'm talking about.lol
Just kidding i would contact Matt just to make sure but i think its do able.

I have done this conversion for an amputee customer of ours. Here is what I have found is the most simple solution. Add a tiller extensions that you can attach on a swivel and fold across your body. I used a 24" x 3/4'' aluminum shaft and I bought an appropriately sized swivel from west marine that worked with my new aluminum extension. I then drilled one hole at the end of the steering handle and attached the extension. This worked very well and we found it was much easier than trying to move the entire steering assembly. On the left side of the outback there is not a simple flat section where moving the assembly made sense. Our concept was a $25 1 hr project. Sorry I don't have any pictures.

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bobby nabors
Florida, USA
[email protected]
www.LiquidSurfandSail.com

I still think the lever would fit perfect and work perfect on the right side where the handle is.

Which handle are you referring too, I assume you are meaning the carry handle with what looks like a drink holder behind/under it?

I have an Adventure, but I assume the plastic thicknesses are the same. Where the steering T comes through the hull, the plastic is quite thick & I am guessing it will be thinner on the opposite (right) side. If that is the case, then it would need to be re-enforced and thickened with a bushing to match the original side. You would also need to check the steering handle fits inside the cup holder and has full swing of motion as on the left side, though an extension could fix that.
The other thing to look at, I notice (pictures on the net) that the rudder lift/drop is on the same (right hand) side. you may get conflict with the two sets of lines rubbing or even catching on each other. Apart from those three things, I cannot see why it could not be done with a bit of work.

Thanks again for all your input on this topic. I design and build all kinds of complicated mechanical equipment for our company. We have a full CNC machine shop and fabrication shop. Your right in that the first thing you woulld have to do is install a UHMW bushing under the right side. Then I would replace the ridgid handle with a soft strap handle like the one on the left side of my outback. This would make it easier to steer. Then the rest would be just rerouting the cables. As soon as I'm sure I want it on the right side I'll change it and try to post some pictures. Thanks again.

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Mike
2015 Pro Angler 12
Yellow with Humminbird side imaging

The thickness on the right side of my outback feels identical to the thickness on the left side.I think its a simple modification.Everythings possible, heck i even modified a boat seat to fit perfectly in my outback.Its held down by 4 attached clips/ two on the side and two underneath and it works great, i have been out in rough conditions and there is no top heavy feeling to it and its super sturdy and its also super plush.If i can get a hold of a camera ill try to post some pics.

Yea, I put a boat seat on my Wilderness ride and raised it up. I would love to see some pics of your yak. I need someone to show me how to post pics on here.

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Mike
2015 Pro Angler 12
Yellow with Humminbird side imaging

See if this helps: http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=12574

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Hobie Island Sailing since 2006