1968 evinrude steering ?

I finally took my boat out today for the first time today. Actually the first time I ever took any boat out. Right now I have 2 questions for you guys. With the throttle wide open it was running 25mph. Is that ok for a 1968 14.5 foot larson with a 1968 40hp evinrude? Still waiting on tach so not sure how many rpms I was turnning. Second question is I think im going to have to replace the steering cables. They are steel cables with plastic coating but the plastic is dry rotted pretty bad. Also the rollers are almost 40 years old plastic too so I bet it wont be long before they break.(I posted a picture below) Question is.... go back with same kind of system? Is there something else I can do? How much will a new type system cost and can some one point me to the one to buy? Thanks so much for all the help I have got here.<br /><br /> http://members.aol.com/shane733/steering.jpg

Re: 1968 evinrude steering ?

Really classic setup ya' have there Shane. Why not just replace the cable? It's still available and won't be a large hassle to replace. The pulley's are still available also. That's a good lookin' set up ya' have there (what I could see of it). Keep it original.......just my 2 cents worth.

Re: 1968 evinrude steering ?

25 mph sounds about right

Re: 1968 evinrude steering ?

Just priced the cable the other day. It was .59/ft at ACE. Home Depot/Lowe's probably cheaper. Look at the pulleys good. They may be better than replacements. Sometimes that's the case with older stuff. For example, some of the hardware on my 48 yo boat is stainless/aluminum. Replacements are zinc plated.<br /><br />I would try to wrap that electrical cable though. Maybe split a section of heater hose and put around it with tape.

Re: 1968 evinrude steering ?

I would stay with what you have, just replace cable, get it at local bld. supply. Don't pull all your old cable off and then replace new cable. Start at one end of mtr. and pull old off as you put new on. Can't go wrong. As for pullys just inspect for cracks an lubricate pins.<br /><br /> I was at boat place other day checking on a new single cable set up for future refrence, 300.00<br /><br /> By the way nice boat. I love the old classics; 30 plus years.

Re: 1968 evinrude steering ?

I replaced the cable today and checked the pulleys. It looks a whole lot better but Im still not to sure about it. It still doesnt seem to turn as sharp as I think it should. It also still kind of scares me with all the popping and cracking sounds. When im on the water with the family and lots of other boats around I just keep thinking of the cables popping loose or a pulley coming off and turning straight into another boat. On the other hand it does give it the original look and that is kind of cool.<br /><br />BoatBuoy: I plan on wraping the cables here soon. Im just waiting on a temp gauge and a couple other things I ordered so I can wrap it all at one time.<br /><br />I noticed today, the little bracket that supports the motor when it is up, it was holding the motor up about 1-2 inches from going all the way down to where it is supose to rest at. That might make a big difference in speed and the way it rides when I go back out next time. <br /><br />Thanks again for all the help I have got here. Below is another picture. I will post more as I go along and yall teach me and help me with more stuff.<br /><br />