Can I replace a 15ft steering cable with a 16ft???

[wat50]

I have a 1998 crownline 180br that has a Teleflex SSC13415 rack and pinion steering cable. I have searched the entire web and talked to boat shops and the only 15ft replacement I have found is over $300. Could I use a SSC13416 (16ft) cable instead which I have found for $130 instead? The extra bend would be behind the battery compartment which would have the cable making more of a U bend as to a half U with the 15ft.

 

[Scott Danforth]

you can let it dip a bit between the helm and the gunwale to eat up the extra foot.

 

[wat50]

Ended up finding a 15 ft about 2 hours away and drove to get it!