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Author Topic:   Steering Cable replacement

ghwillis posted 02-17-2002 07:07 PM ET (US)
I have a 1979 Montauk hull outfitted with the seats/console from a 1972 Katama. Original hull damaged in fire. The engine is a 72 Johnson 65 HP. Steering cable runs from the wheel loops around to the tunnel and up at the stern where it loops again to line up with the engine. Two major bends along the way. It turns very hard at anything but idle speed in the clokwise (right turn) direction. Left is a little easier but still stiff. The previous owner indicated he was going to replace with a shorter cable which would run from wheel over to starboard side of boat back to stern across the deck and up to engine. This eliminates the big bends in the cable. I an considering the merits of this. Any thoughts or help out there???
Thanks, George
squernt posted 02-17-2002 07:37 PM ET (US)
I have a 1971 Katama so your set up is probably very similar to mine if not the same and my cable runs down the starboard side like you explained the previous owner was going to do. I think that it is the best way for routing as far as the stress on the cable is concerned, I have been told before the less bends and the shorter the cable the easier the steering and less wear on the cable and your helm. However, with that style of console the routing does not look very "professional" so to speak, and I am still looking for a better way for routing so please let me know if you find one.
You also might want to check the condition of the cable/casing at the engine, I had the same problem with my steering when I first bought mine and upon further inspection found there was no lubrication left in the motor housing and had started to build up corrosion so you might want to check that first.

Good Luck
ghwillis posted 02-17-2002 08:07 PM ET (US)
I was just reading some posts about trim tabs on the engine causing pull and/or resistance to steering in either starboard or port directions. This coupled with some lack of lubrication in the engine as you sugggested may be my problem. I'll have to investigate before I invest in a new steering system.
Thanks, George

whalerron posted 02-17-2002 11:03 PM ET (US)
I have a "Katama-style" console in my Minot and I put a real big loop under the console. It starts at the helm and goes straight over to the starboard side then loops in a big gradual loop toward the bow and down. It hits the floor just under the forward console seat (it just barely goes under the seat) and then snakes back down into the tunnel. With this routing, I have not lost any use of under-console space and the steering does not bind.
I used an 18 foot cable.
- ron
FISHNFF posted 02-18-2002 01:51 AM ET (US)
News Flash!
Teleflex is currently testing a hydraulic steering set for smaller engines. This would be perfect for our Whalers. No kinking and more room in the tunnel. How do I know? A friend of mine who does outdoor writings/books/seminars is having a set mounted on his Whaler by Teleflex to try out. I am already waiting in line!

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Author	Topic: Steering Cable replacement
ghwillis	posted 02-17-2002 07:07 PM ET (US) I have a 1979 Montauk hull outfitted with the seats/console from a 1972 Katama. Original hull damaged in fire. The engine is a 72 Johnson 65 HP. Steering cable runs from the wheel loops around to the tunnel and up at the stern where it loops again to line up with the engine. Two major bends along the way. It turns very hard at anything but idle speed in the clokwise (right turn) direction. Left is a little easier but still stiff. The previous owner indicated he was going to replace with a shorter cable which would run from wheel over to starboard side of boat back to stern across the deck and up to engine. This eliminates the big bends in the cable. I an considering the merits of this. Any thoughts or help out there??? Thanks, George
squernt	posted 02-17-2002 07:37 PM ET (US) I have a 1971 Katama so your set up is probably very similar to mine if not the same and my cable runs down the starboard side like you explained the previous owner was going to do. I think that it is the best way for routing as far as the stress on the cable is concerned, I have been told before the less bends and the shorter the cable the easier the steering and less wear on the cable and your helm. However, with that style of console the routing does not look very "professional" so to speak, and I am still looking for a better way for routing so please let me know if you find one. You also might want to check the condition of the cable/casing at the engine, I had the same problem with my steering when I first bought mine and upon further inspection found there was no lubrication left in the motor housing and had started to build up corrosion so you might want to check that first. Good Luck
ghwillis	posted 02-17-2002 08:07 PM ET (US) I was just reading some posts about trim tabs on the engine causing pull and/or resistance to steering in either starboard or port directions. This coupled with some lack of lubrication in the engine as you sugggested may be my problem. I'll have to investigate before I invest in a new steering system. Thanks, George
whalerron	posted 02-17-2002 11:03 PM ET (US) I have a "Katama-style" console in my Minot and I put a real big loop under the console. It starts at the helm and goes straight over to the starboard side then loops in a big gradual loop toward the bow and down. It hits the floor just under the forward console seat (it just barely goes under the seat) and then snakes back down into the tunnel. With this routing, I have not lost any use of under-console space and the steering does not bind. I used an 18 foot cable. - ron
FISHNFF	posted 02-18-2002 01:51 AM ET (US) News Flash! Teleflex is currently testing a hydraulic steering set for smaller engines. This would be perfect for our Whalers. No kinking and more room in the tunnel. How do I know? A friend of mine who does outdoor writings/books/seminars is having a set mounted on his Whaler by Teleflex to try out. I am already waiting in line!