Replacing steering cable

[Rudi2]

Ok, this 16' Super Sport I just bought has a frozen steering cable - If I could get the opinion of the folks that have been through this please. . I plan on getting the kit and replacing cable and helm just to be safe.


It has rack type steering now, should I stay with that, or go with rotary? or does it make any difference? (I'm thinking of space under dash considerations)

Any suggestions on where best to buy the cable?

It currently has a 14' cable, I know a fellow who bought a 15' rotary setup for his boat but didn't use it, and wanting to sell for a good price. Can I stuff an extra foot of cable in boat and make it work?

Thanks for your opinions! Rudi.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Replacing steering cable

I've had new rack and new rotary. I prefer the rotary. The rack had little more "play". It's an easy job unless you have to pull the motor to feed in the steering rod. I think the 15' system will work fine for you.

 

[Pugetsound]

Re: Replacing steering cable

I just rebuilt my 16 SS (1975) and replaced the cable assembly. It used a 13 ft cable and yours should be the same. You can not coil a longer cable for these boats as there is not enough room to do so. measure from the center of the wheel to the side -down to the stern and over to where the cable connects it will most likley be 13 ft actually a little less but rounded off the nearest foot. Rotary takes up less room. Im looking up a post from a day ago as a member said he had a source for a new set up fo right at a hundred dollars , thats 60 0r 70 less than listed in most sales flyers. I'll let you know who that was and you can contact him.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Replacing steering cable

In my experience, the extra foot shouldn't be an issue. He can't "coil" it but a little slack won't hurt. Now an extra 3 feet might be an issue.

 

[Pugetsound]

Re: Replacing steering cable

My thoughts were not to get one to long as you know how in the way those heaver cables can be, and the 13 ft is just right on mine as well as just a bit of slack.

 

[Bob Gilvary]

Re: Replacing steering cable

Freeing up a frozen steering cable;

Grab the end of the steerring rod with vice grips. Connect them at the very end by the crimp. Squirt some penetrating oil on the end of the cable rod. Now twist it back and forthe while someone else puts some left and right pressure on the steering wheel. Continue with the penetrating oil and you'll start to get some movement. First with the vice grip movement, then the in and out movement. You won't need a lot off steering wheel pressure until you start to get the twist movement, then only enough to start the slide motion going.

More than likely you'll have to tap it through the tilt tube. Never ever had to use a torch with this method.

I much prefer the rotary system.

 

[Rudi2]

Re: Replacing steering cable

Thanks for the advice! Looks like rotary wins. Pugetsound, if you find that source for cables let us know, I' m sure others would be interested.--Thanks

 

[Pugetsound]

Re: Replacing steering cable

Source supplied by EZMOBEE (lowcostboatingstore.com ) ( Item no 216 rotechwxx)E-mail low cost Pugetsound glad to help This ia a complete rotary with a new steering wheel