CONTINUOUSWAVE

Q1: what length Dometic Safe-T [QC] steering cable is appropriate for a 1965 SPORT 13?

ASIDE
I ordered a 9-foot cable. Somewhere I saw people use a 10-foot cable.

A 10-feet-long steering cable is correct.

I started a return on the 9-feet-long cable to order the 10-feet long cable.

The confusion and reason I ordered the 9-feet-long cable [was a recommendation I found in an old thread made by Tom Clark for the Teleflex Safe-T NFB helm]:

13-footer: Length of Mechanical Cable Steering Cables
https://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/020650.html


Q2: can the helm console be moved [aft] to accommodate the 9-feet-long cable?

The wood embedded in the floor is 1-foot-long but the block that fastens to it and holds the console is only 5-inches [long]. There is a little room to move [the helm console] forward or back.

If you move the helm console, the thwart seat would need to be moved to compensate.

Q3: did you test fit the 9-feet-long cable?

I test fitted [the 9-foot-long cable], and it would be close; but if I was to try to install it then it would void me returning it. It would probably work if I moved the helm back a little and I’m short (5-feet 6-inches tall). I’m returning 9-feet-long cable and getting the 10-feet-long cable. I was thinking I’d have to pay for return shipping but [the vendor is] actually paying the return shipping so I’ll just return it.

I think the confusion among threads between from guys using 9-feet-long cables and other guys using 10-feet-long cable is the guys using 9-feet-long cables have older engines without the tilt tube which requires them to install a swivel bracket and probably a shorter cable and the 10-feet-long guys are using engines with tilt tube that requires the longer 10-feet-long cable.

Q4: have you modified the transom on the 1965 SPORT 13 so it can be used with 20-inch-shaft engines?

Typically an unmodified 1965 13-footer would have a notched transom intended for outboard engines with a 15-inch shaft length. Most of those older engines in the horsepower range appropriate for the 13-footer did not have a tilt-tube type steering system.

Q5: what engine are you using in the 1965 13-footer, what is the shaft -length, and are you trying to use a tilt-tube steering actuator configuration with a drag link?

Regarding height: give-or-take an inch or two, you are about the same height as Bob Dougherty, who was hired by Dick Fisher in 1960 and was the chief designer of Boston Whaler boats.

Father in law (who I inherited boat from) has a metal bracket that sits in wedge and lifts the engine up an inch or two.

It has a 1986 Merc 35 long shaft. I’m not sure the length but it’s pretty long and yes I’m planning on using tilt tube on engine with a steering linkage stainless thingy.