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Author Topic:   Length of control cables for a 13'

HarlemSgt posted 05-03-2010 05:20 PM ET (US)
What is the proper length for the control cables on a 13'?
I was looking into a baystar hydraulic steering system for my 13', what length hoses would I need? Can anyone with this setup share your observations?
macfam posted 05-03-2010 10:30 PM ET (US)
Kevin,
M
Just measure the black plastic on your current steering, nut to nut, then add 1.5 feet.
That will be the correct measurement of your steering cable.
A 13' Super Sport requires an 11 ft. Teleflex cable.
Not sure of the length of the throttle/shift cables.
Tohsgib posted 05-04-2010 01:28 PM ET (US)
If side control you would use 9' cables. Steering would usually be 10' with a side console. Hydraulic is really overkill and not worth the $$ in my opinion. but I would say 10'.
pcrussell50 posted 05-04-2010 01:53 PM ET (US)
+1
hydraulic steering in a 13 foot classic = beyond overkill
But then again, people buy all kinds of truck they don't need, and SUV's when a minivan will do... for no good reason other than they just simply wanted it. So if hydraulic steering would bring you more joy than not having it? Why not do it?
-Peter
HarlemSgt posted 05-04-2010 04:24 PM ET (US)
The idea of hydraulic steering appeals to me for many reasons. One is the grease that covers the steering cable will not end up all over the place. Two, would be the clean look hydraulic steering offers over the cable steering.
macfam posted 05-04-2010 09:42 PM ET (US)
Kevin,
I replaced the entire steering system 2-3 years ago with the Teleflex NFB (no feedback)System on my 13' Super Sport.
Some don't like the NFB, but I do, and so does my wife and daughters. You can steer with your finger at slow speeds and docking. No holding white knuckle tight. Trust me, the 11 ft. is the right length.
To eliminate the grease on the steering rod, you really need a "Steersman Nut". Excellent preventive maintenance, and it has an "o-ring" to keep grease in the steering tube, NOT on the steering rod. See link:
http://www.steersman.com/html/whatitdoes.html
After being in saltwater all last season, the steering wheel turned with fingertips last week, and hasn't been touched. That's due to the Steersman Nut.
pcrussell50 posted 05-05-2010 01:26 AM ET (US)

quote:
The idea of hydraulic steering appeals to me for many reasons. One is the grease that covers the steering cable will not end up all over the place.
The original rotary helm teleflex system on my 1985 Sport 13 doesn't seem to get grease everywhere, (or anywhere, for that matter). But hey, your boat is for your pleasure. You should do what you want to get maximum enjoyment out of it. Let us know how it goes and if it meets your expectations.
-Peter
Tohsgib posted 05-05-2010 11:45 AM ET (US)
I have a steersman nut on both of my Whalers and no grease anywhere. Worth the $25 over $600 anyday. Again the supersport has a wider console than the standard side console. I use an 11 on mine with the 15' console and it still has 6" of slack.

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Author	Topic: Length of control cables for a 13'
HarlemSgt	posted 05-03-2010 05:20 PM ET (US) What is the proper length for the control cables on a 13'? I was looking into a baystar hydraulic steering system for my 13', what length hoses would I need? Can anyone with this setup share your observations?
macfam	posted 05-03-2010 10:30 PM ET (US) Kevin, M Just measure the black plastic on your current steering, nut to nut, then add 1.5 feet. That will be the correct measurement of your steering cable. A 13' Super Sport requires an 11 ft. Teleflex cable. Not sure of the length of the throttle/shift cables.
Tohsgib	posted 05-04-2010 01:28 PM ET (US) If side control you would use 9' cables. Steering would usually be 10' with a side console. Hydraulic is really overkill and not worth the $$ in my opinion. but I would say 10'.
pcrussell50	posted 05-04-2010 01:53 PM ET (US) +1 hydraulic steering in a 13 foot classic = beyond overkill But then again, people buy all kinds of truck they don't need, and SUV's when a minivan will do... for no good reason other than they just simply wanted it. So if hydraulic steering would bring you more joy than not having it? Why not do it? -Peter
HarlemSgt	posted 05-04-2010 04:24 PM ET (US) The idea of hydraulic steering appeals to me for many reasons. One is the grease that covers the steering cable will not end up all over the place. Two, would be the clean look hydraulic steering offers over the cable steering.
macfam	posted 05-04-2010 09:42 PM ET (US) Kevin, I replaced the entire steering system 2-3 years ago with the Teleflex NFB (no feedback)System on my 13' Super Sport. Some don't like the NFB, but I do, and so does my wife and daughters. You can steer with your finger at slow speeds and docking. No holding white knuckle tight. Trust me, the 11 ft. is the right length. To eliminate the grease on the steering rod, you really need a "Steersman Nut". Excellent preventive maintenance, and it has an "o-ring" to keep grease in the steering tube, NOT on the steering rod. See link: http://www.steersman.com/html/whatitdoes.html After being in saltwater all last season, the steering wheel turned with fingertips last week, and hasn't been touched. That's due to the Steersman Nut.
pcrussell50	posted 05-05-2010 01:26 AM ET (US) quote: The idea of hydraulic steering appeals to me for many reasons. One is the grease that covers the steering cable will not end up all over the place. The original rotary helm teleflex system on my 1985 Sport 13 doesn't seem to get grease everywhere, (or anywhere, for that matter). But hey, your boat is for your pleasure. You should do what you want to get maximum enjoyment out of it. Let us know how it goes and if it meets your expectations. -Peter
Tohsgib	posted 05-05-2010 11:45 AM ET (US) I have a steersman nut on both of my Whalers and no grease anywhere. Worth the $25 over $600 anyday. Again the supersport has a wider console than the standard side console. I use an 11 on mine with the 15' console and it still has 6" of slack.