13-footer: Length of Mechanical Cable Steering Cables

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Author Topic:   13-footer: Length of Mechanical Cable Steering Cables

boatdryver posted 01-20-2014 10:44 AM ET (US)
First, thanks to everyone for the input on the transom bracket question for repowering our boat with a new 30 E-TEC outboard engine.
Now, it develops that the mechanic strongly recommends converting the steering control from the old pulley system to push-pull cable system. Apparently the shortest push-pull cable available now is 10-feet long which may require moving the helm forward a foot or so. I doubt we are the first to make this steering conversion.
How have others dealt with this steering cable length situation?
thanks, JimL
Binkster posted 01-20-2014 09:51 PM ET (US)
I think your mechanic is wrong. The 13 foot Whaler is at its best with cable and pulley steering. You can steer the boat easily, engine torque has no effect on the steering, and as far as safety is concerned, cable and pulley steering is the only steering that the APBA allows in outboard boat racing, becuase it can be easily inspected for flaws and deterioration. Every part can be replaced with new if need be. I'm running a 2008 Merc/Tohatsu on my '61 13 footer. Here is a pic.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c191/floridaboy2053/ boat%20restorations/Whalermerc5.jpg
rich
skred posted 01-21-2014 09:38 AM ET (US)
Teleflex makes steering units down to 6 feet in length. See the link below. The standard side console 13 sport uses a recommended 9 foot length.
http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product. do?pid=11820&familyName=Teleflex+QC+II+Steering+Cables
Tom W Clark posted 01-21-2014 10:13 AM ET (US)
Jim -- What you want is a 9' cable and Teleflex makes that length. The only trouble you *might* have is finding a 9' cable packaged with the helm, which is the most economical way to purchase it.
Teleflex makes several different mechanical helms that would fit this boat but what I recommend is the Safe-T-NFB helm.
The Safe-T-NFB is a 3 turns lock-to-lock system just like the Safe-T QC but adds the no feedback clutch that means the motor cannot spin the steering wheel. Given the use of this boat by multiple club members, the NFB feature seems prudent.
The Teleflex part number for the kit of helm and 9' cable would be SS13209, however, I am having a hard time finding one for sale in the US, though they are listed in the UK, Germany and Australia.
You could also use a Safe-T QC which would be Teleflex part number SS13709. This system is, in fact, what Whaler used in the 1980s and 1990 for the Sport 13. Here is one example:
http://www.blackbearsportinggoods.com/Conn_Quik_Pk_9ft_p/ellteless13709. htm
At about $100, it's nearly the same price as the cable itself.
I do NOT recommend the Teleflex NFB 4.2 (turns lock-to-lock) because the steering response will be too slow for a little 13 footer with a 30 HP motor.
Likewise, the new Teleflex Xtreme systems will be too slow at 5 turns lock-to-lock.
Regardless of what helm or system you purchase, remember it will only come with a 90 degree bezel so you MUST purchase the optional 20 degree bezel to avoid the flat steering wheel I see to often on the little Whalers. It is very awkward to have a steering wheel in such a bad position and just looks stupid. Spend the extra 22 bucks:
http://www.boatstoreusa.com/hydraulic-mechanical/ teleflex-steering-accessories/ teleflex-sb27483p-20deg-safe-t-bezel-blksb27241/
Binkster posted 01-21-2014 01:05 PM ET (US)
If you don't want to go with cable and pulley steering, check out this company. I just recieved a new rotary helm system from them two weeks ago for my 15' Whaler center console. You can order the 20 degree bezel from them. The steering cable comes in one foot increments from 9' on up. Choose the 9' cable.
http://www.wholesalemarine.com/ rack-and-pinion-steering-system-by-teleflex-79342.html
rich
Tom W Clark posted 01-21-2014 01:13 PM ET (US)
Rack and pinion won't fit in a Sport 13's console. That is why the rotary helms are used.
Binkster posted 01-21-2014 01:15 PM ET (US)
If you need a new steering wheel check out this one I just bought. If you go on their site they have other designs, but this one is really nice.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/200975250348?item=200975250348&viewitem=& vxp=mtr#ht_340wt_1145
rich
Binkster posted 01-21-2014 01:27 PM ET (US)
Thanks for the heads up, Tom, I must have hit the wrong link. Yes, he needs rotary steering, as I said in my post.
http://www.wholesalemarine.com/ safe-t-qc-rotary-steering-kit-by-teleflex.html
rich

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Author	Topic: 13-footer: Length of Mechanical Cable Steering Cables
boatdryver	posted 01-20-2014 10:44 AM ET (US) First, thanks to everyone for the input on the transom bracket question for repowering our boat with a new 30 E-TEC outboard engine. Now, it develops that the mechanic strongly recommends converting the steering control from the old pulley system to push-pull cable system. Apparently the shortest push-pull cable available now is 10-feet long which may require moving the helm forward a foot or so. I doubt we are the first to make this steering conversion. How have others dealt with this steering cable length situation? thanks, JimL
Binkster	posted 01-20-2014 09:51 PM ET (US) I think your mechanic is wrong. The 13 foot Whaler is at its best with cable and pulley steering. You can steer the boat easily, engine torque has no effect on the steering, and as far as safety is concerned, cable and pulley steering is the only steering that the APBA allows in outboard boat racing, becuase it can be easily inspected for flaws and deterioration. Every part can be replaced with new if need be. I'm running a 2008 Merc/Tohatsu on my '61 13 footer. Here is a pic. http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c191/floridaboy2053/ boat%20restorations/Whalermerc5.jpg rich
skred	posted 01-21-2014 09:38 AM ET (US) Teleflex makes steering units down to 6 feet in length. See the link below. The standard side console 13 sport uses a recommended 9 foot length. http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product. do?pid=11820&familyName=Teleflex+QC+II+Steering+Cables
Tom W Clark	posted 01-21-2014 10:13 AM ET (US) Jim -- What you want is a 9' cable and Teleflex makes that length. The only trouble you might have is finding a 9' cable packaged with the helm, which is the most economical way to purchase it. Teleflex makes several different mechanical helms that would fit this boat but what I recommend is the Safe-T-NFB helm. The Safe-T-NFB is a 3 turns lock-to-lock system just like the Safe-T QC but adds the no feedback clutch that means the motor cannot spin the steering wheel. Given the use of this boat by multiple club members, the NFB feature seems prudent. The Teleflex part number for the kit of helm and 9' cable would be SS13209, however, I am having a hard time finding one for sale in the US, though they are listed in the UK, Germany and Australia. You could also use a Safe-T QC which would be Teleflex part number SS13709. This system is, in fact, what Whaler used in the 1980s and 1990 for the Sport 13. Here is one example: http://www.blackbearsportinggoods.com/Conn_Quik_Pk_9ft_p/ellteless13709. htm At about $100, it's nearly the same price as the cable itself. I do NOT recommend the Teleflex NFB 4.2 (turns lock-to-lock) because the steering response will be too slow for a little 13 footer with a 30 HP motor. Likewise, the new Teleflex Xtreme systems will be too slow at 5 turns lock-to-lock. Regardless of what helm or system you purchase, remember it will only come with a 90 degree bezel so you MUST purchase the optional 20 degree bezel to avoid the flat steering wheel I see to often on the little Whalers. It is very awkward to have a steering wheel in such a bad position and just looks stupid. Spend the extra 22 bucks: http://www.boatstoreusa.com/hydraulic-mechanical/ teleflex-steering-accessories/ teleflex-sb27483p-20deg-safe-t-bezel-blksb27241/
Binkster	posted 01-21-2014 01:05 PM ET (US) If you don't want to go with cable and pulley steering, check out this company. I just recieved a new rotary helm system from them two weeks ago for my 15' Whaler center console. You can order the 20 degree bezel from them. The steering cable comes in one foot increments from 9' on up. Choose the 9' cable. http://www.wholesalemarine.com/ rack-and-pinion-steering-system-by-teleflex-79342.html rich
Tom W Clark	posted 01-21-2014 01:13 PM ET (US) Rack and pinion won't fit in a Sport 13's console. That is why the rotary helms are used.
Binkster	posted 01-21-2014 01:15 PM ET (US) If you need a new steering wheel check out this one I just bought. If you go on their site they have other designs, but this one is really nice. http://www.ebay.com/itm/200975250348?item=200975250348&viewitem=& vxp=mtr#ht_340wt_1145 rich
Binkster	posted 01-21-2014 01:27 PM ET (US) Thanks for the heads up, Tom, I must have hit the wrong link. Yes, he needs rotary steering, as I said in my post. http://www.wholesalemarine.com/ safe-t-qc-rotary-steering-kit-by-teleflex.html rich