13-footer Steering Cable Measurement, Vendors

Repair or modification of Boston Whaler boats, their engines, trailers, and gear
jsaw14
Posts: 1
Joined: Tue Jul 05, 2016 11:54 am

13-footer Steering Cable Measurement, Vendors

Postby jsaw14 » Tue Jul 05, 2016 11:59 am

Hello. I recently purchased a 1977 Boston Whaler 13-footer with side console. The steering cable that came with it is too long.

How is the steering cable measured (so I can measure the one I have)?

Do I measure just the black plastic to find the correct length?

What is the best place to buy a new one?

Thanks

Acseatsri
Posts: 190
Joined: Tue Oct 20, 2015 8:46 am

Re: 13' Steering Cable Measurement, Vendors

Postby Acseatsri » Thu Jul 14, 2016 6:24 am

I'm curious, also, because I have the same project whaler in my garage whose steering needs replacement.

Deewazz
Posts: 23
Joined: Mon Jun 06, 2016 7:22 pm

Re: 13-footer Steering Cable Measurement, Vendors

Postby Deewazz » Fri Aug 05, 2016 6:00 pm

I would check with Sue Lodel at Twin Cities Marine for the Whaler specs for the steering cable. Teleflex supplies a very good replacement. Mine was either 8 or 9 feet, I believe. I ordered the longer one because I moved the console forward about 9 inches...


rll
Posts: 5
Joined: Mon Aug 08, 2016 8:14 pm

Re: 13-footer Steering Cable Measurement, Vendors

Postby rll » Mon Aug 08, 2016 8:32 pm

I just repowered my 1976 Sport 13 and added Teleflex NFB Safe-T rotary steering. I ordered mine from West Marine. I followed Teleflex recommendations and ordered a 10' cable. It works fine, but the cable sticks out past the transom 2 inches. I'm thinking a 9 foot cable would be perfect...but you cannot make it longer, the 10' cable can stick out a bit and function. I repowered with a 2016 Suzuki DF30A.
Bob

Pescatore
Posts: 17
Joined: Sun Jan 17, 2016 9:10 am

Re: 13-footer Steering Cable Measurement, Vendors

Postby Pescatore » Fri Aug 12, 2016 5:55 am

I have a 1968 sport and used a 8 foot cable.

padrefigure
Posts: 91
Joined: Sun Oct 18, 2015 9:26 pm
Location: Texas, Hill Country

Re: 13-footer Steering Cable Measurement, Vendors

Postby padrefigure » Tue Aug 30, 2016 9:24 am

A 1977 will have a 20" transom and the steering cable will run through the tilt tube to a drag link. The cable length will be longer than with the 1968 that uses the transom mounted swivel post. On the 1968, the notch in the transom prevents using the tilt tube. I suspect that the 9-10' recommendations are accurate. Also be sure that you have room for the helm inside you side console. There is an offset to port and if the steering hole is centered, there may not be room for the offset gear box.

Good luck in your installation.