1989 19 1/2 ft Champion Bass Boat V Hull

[BigSlant]

Trying to figure out a steering cable replacement length. Do I need to pull old ones out and measure? Was there a standard size for these? Also the same for the throttle control cables. Thanks in advance

 

[emdsapmgr]

Most all US steering cables have the part number heat-stamped in the outer casing about 1 foot from one end of the cable or the other. Usually on the engine end. You can give that part number to most any marine dealership and they can get you a replacement cable. The first digits are the part number, the last two are the length in feet. If you just can't find any number, you may wind up replacing the whole steering assembly with a kit, including a new cable and steering gearbox. Not that much $ more than a cable only. Over many years, the steering cable manufacturers change the gearbox ends of the cables, where they thread into the steering box. Your are 25 years old.... While they may appear the same as your old one, just be careful that the gearbox end is configured exactly the same as your original, or it won't go through the gearbox teeth. There are also heat-stamped part numbers are on the ends of the control box cable casings.

 

[BigSlant]

Thank you. Im not opposed to buying the new steering box and control box but since I don't know what new (steering and control) is compatible with the older motor and we don't have any REAL marine dealerships around here its hard to find help. I really appreciate it. Thanks again What would you guess a repair place would charge for these repairs? I know its a guess but what would sound reasonable?

 

[emdsapmgr]

It really depends on your boat. Anytime you get into removing the steering cables, you may have to pull off much of the starboard inside panel of the boat off in order to remove/replace the cables. At the aft, the cable usually threads through a hole in the starboard side of the splashwell. On many bass boats, there just is not room to remove the cable from the tilt-tube/s on the engine as it sits bolted to the transom. In those cases the engine will have to be unbolted and lifted away from the transom in order remove, then re-install the cables. It really depends on the boat.. The dealership that does the job needs to look at the boat-then they can give you an idea of the labor costs. A simple, open 14' rowboat with an 50 hp engine and open console and no side panels is much different from your boat.

 

[BigSlant]

Thanks, I had to replace the bushings on the tilt tube already, prior to knowing the steering was bad. There was enough room to get the cables out, if that's half the battle I guess I can pull them again and try to order new cables and steering box, thanks again.