Steering Cables advice!!!

Scottina

Cadet
Joined
May 11, 2012
Messages
17
Does anybody have any advise for running steering cables on my boat? What is the best way to measure for the correct amount of cable?
 

Prophammer

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 2, 2010
Messages
480
Re: Steering Cables advice!!!

What kind of boat are you working on?
 

Scottina

Cadet
Joined
May 11, 2012
Messages
17
Re: Steering Cables advice!!!

I have an old supercraft trihull. It had cables and pullys, but the cable were very old so I took them off when I bought another motor.
 

Prophammer

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 2, 2010
Messages
480
Re: Steering Cables advice!!!

If your cable is going to come thru the splash well, to the tilt tube of your engine, it needs to be a little too long to allow enough slack to make the curve, it can't be too tight. If it is about 3 ft too long, it can make a loop up thru the hole in the splash well, a little shorter than 3ft too long will have to curve and go in without a loop, excess slack can be deviated under the length gunwale, or under the splash well
 

Scottina

Cadet
Joined
May 11, 2012
Messages
17
Re: Steering Cables advice!!!

The cables run from the steering wheel to under the seat then split. One runs around to the motor, and the other runs under to seat across to the other side of the boat to the motor. I wish I could draw you a picture.
 

cr2k

Captain
Joined
Mar 19, 2009
Messages
3,730
Re: Steering Cables advice!!!

Replace with a new single cable and helm. I doubt if any one will help you the old unsafe pull-pull cables.
 

ezmobee

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 26, 2007
Messages
23,767
Re: Steering Cables advice!!!

I'd also recommend upgrading to a single cable system. I made the switch on my last boat and it was much nicer than dealing with the old cable/pulley system. A complete new system can be had for around $120. If you motor doesn't have a steering tube, you may also need a clamp block.

Has a steering tube:
http://www.inkbox.net/whaler/parts/steering-arm.jpg

Doesn't have a steering tube, clamp block added:
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w200/ezmobee/8_CamoWhaler13Transom.jpg
 

Scottina

Cadet
Joined
May 11, 2012
Messages
17
Re: Steering Cables advice!!!

Where is the best place to get a single cable system. My motor does have a steering tube. Seems a single cable system is a lot simpler.
 
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