Which steering rack/cable, '77 Holiday 18 I/O w/ Merc 120

mfelthousen

Seaman
Joined
Jun 12, 2018
Messages
68
I'm looking to replace my steering cable for my '77 Holiday 18 I/O (not the SS) with the Mercruiser 120. It has a rack-type steering gear, which looks like it may be original. I have not found part numbers on the cable yet (haven't removed it), but the steering wheel housing is a Morse.

I've found conflicting instructions on measuring for a new cable. The iBoats forum method of A+B+C yields a cable length of 19', when I measure to the point where the cable engages the steering lever (which is past the centerline of the transom, and is another recommendation that varies).

I have seen other methods on manufacturer sites talk about subtracting 4" for each 90* bend, and adding 6" at the transom (regardless of I/O or outboard). I know subtracting 4" at each bend still results in a 19' cable when rounding up, but the extra 6" means getting a 20' cable. I'm assuming the "add 6" guideline is to account for I/O setups where the cable extends past the transom centerline, so measuring to the cable end instead of the centerline is all that is needed?

For those that have done this repair on this model boat, by any chance do you remember the numbers for the parts you used to replace your steering cable? Thanks,
 

Watermann

Starmada Splash of the Year 2014
Joined
Jan 12, 2013
Messages
13,787
The one I replaced for a friend on an 18' IO Holiday last summer but it was a rotary helm. I believe you can buy a totally new rotary NFB system for less than a new 'old style' rack cable. Price them out and see. I converted my SeaNymph from rack to rotary, easy change. Not sure I remember 100% on it but I believe I ordered a 19' cable for that older Holiday.

https://www.iboats.com/shop/seastar...y-nfb-rotary-steering-packages-im1211025.html
 
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