Replacing Steering Cable

Ralphy

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 7, 2004
Messages
280
Just bought an 86 14 ft. Glasstream bass boat. Need to replace the original steering cable. I have dismantled the helm with no problem, and disconnected the cable at the motor. There is absolutely no play or flexibility at all so I am assuming I need to lift the motor to get it loose. My question is once I get the cable released at both ends, which end should I yank on to pull the cable out of the boat? I plan on tying a rope to whichever end is the tail to pull the new one in. The cable appears to be about 10ft. and is rack and pinion. Thanx for any help you can provide.
 

essdee

Seaman
Joined
Jan 16, 2006
Messages
50
Re: Replacing Steering Cable

newbie question: does it matter which end is pulled out?<br /><br />I would assume the end you choose (engine vs. helm) is dictated by the convenience offered at the entry/exit points. If you're already planning to lift the engine to facilitate removal, it means you'll have more space to work with at the engine end. Maybe this would be a better place to feed the new cable in from i.e. pull out from helm end.<br /><br />The quality of the passage would also dictate which direction the old cable exits and new cable enters. My 16' Glastron allows easy access most of the way, so when I recently replaced the engine cable I sent it in from the helm end.<br /><br />Another thing to consider is how easy it is do damage the new cable. I would consider the engine end (with the telescopic rod) to be more resistant to a few nudges than the cable end which enters the helm and is actually quite flexible and may thus pose a problem if your route is restricted.<br /><br />I also took apart the helm, de-greased and re-greased when I changed the cable. Don't know how old your helm is or if you're up to servicing it or if it really needs it, but I'm sure it won't hurt ; )<br /><br />'luck<br />evindude
 

Ralphy

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 7, 2004
Messages
280
Re: Replacing Steering Cable

Thanx for the feedback evindude. Your advice confirms what I was thinking. In all likelyhood I will be replacing the helm also as my dealer informs me that cables to fit that older rack probably will be hard to come by, especially in the smaller size. In looking at prices it is not all that much more expensive to do the helm too.
 
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