Replacement cable for Stick Steering boat

[cork]

I have a friend with an old fishing boat, that has what I call stick steering. That is probably not proper terminology, but basically, you steer with a lever mounted to the side of the boat, next to the drivers seat.<br />I've been to Overton's, and Bass Pro's websites. It seems that all their steering cables are made specifically for rotary and rack type steering units. Or maybe my lack of knowledge and terminology is my problem.<br />Could someone point me in the direction to where I might locate one of these cables? At a good price would be a bonus to me.<br />Thanks cork

 

[DJ]

Re: Replacement cable for Stick Steering boat

I'm pretty sure that "stick steers" use a rack. Remove the old unit and see if the stick is mounted to a long rectangular metal housing. If so, that's the rack. When you buy a new steer cable, it either comes with a new rack or you take apart the old one and feed in the new cable.<br /><br />If it's a rotary, the principal is pretty much the same.<br /><br />Don't throw away that old cable until you've measured it. It's much easier to determine length when you have the old one in front of you.

 

[cork]

Re: Replacement cable for Stick Steering boat

djohns19, unfortunately, my friend lives in another state, so I will try to get ahold of them to confirm the rack. However, in the descriptions of the cables, they describe the racks as 3 or 4 turn lock to lock. Does the stick type generally have a larger gear in it, thus not requiring a full revolution of the stick?<br />Thanks for the reply, will contact friend and check back later.

 

[DJ]

Re: Replacement cable for Stick Steering boat

Cork,<br /><br />The stick has a U-Shaped gear on the end as opposed to a round gear. It works the same.<br /><br />Before I ordered any parts, I would suggest that they take the old one apart and see if there are any model numbers on the rack assembly. Most likely the rack was built by Teleflex. A good marine store can match up a new one. Try West Marine. www.westmarine.com. <br /><br />On a stick steer you are limited by the amount of space a stick can travel. I would GUESS that the 3 turns lock to lock would be the closest.

 

[cork]

Re: Replacement cable for Stick Steering boat

Thanks again, will get all the info I can. Thanks for the link also. I'm new to this board, but I don't think I'll be a stranger, as long as I keep my 1972 85HP Merc. around.<br />Happy New Year

 

[johnkc]

Re: Replacement cable for Stick Steering boat

cork, either teleflex or morse is making new stick steering kits ,helm and cable ,i saw them in our medart catalog ,they are a whole sale distributor out of st louis

 

[cork]

Re: Replacement cable for Stick Steering boat

Thanks johnkc, I haven't been able to reach the friend yet, but thanks for the input. I'll see if I can find a website for webart. I have not heard of them before. I'm in the KC area, Independence actually. Not exactly boating weather, eh.Thanks again,cork

 

[cork]

Re: Replacement cable for Stick Steering boat

Sorry, medart.

 

[Trent]

Re: Replacement cable for Stick Steering boat

See if this helps..toggle thru the pages.Steering systems and cables