Installing a steering cable with the correct length is crucial and requires knowing the type and brand of the cable. People frequently mismeasure their boat’s steering cable. An accurate measurement will save you time, cost, and effort.
1. Identify the Type of Steering Cable for Your Boat
Commonly, there are three styles of steering systems. Two types of mechanical steering are rotary and rack-and-pinion. The third is hydraulic boat cables. Every boat has a specific length of cable fitted to the boat’s proportions.
There are various types of rotary and rack-and-pinion steering cables. Variations are dependent on the engine’s style, size, and horsepower. The boat’s maximum speed limit and power steering abilities determine the type of steering cable.
SeaStar Solutions was a major brand that was once Teleflex Marine, and it now belongs to Dometic. Teleflex bought Morse Controls. Your boat could have any one of these brands’ signatures on their steering cable.
As these brand names are discontinued, there are numerous online cross-reference guides. Also, ask the retail assistants belonging to any marine store for assistance in identifying and cross-referencing the brand’s signature hot-stamp.
The Teleflex patented no feedback (NFB) steering (now owned by Dometic) is an inspired design in steering. Before NFB steering, mechanical steering systems shifted steering weight back to the operator when turning in a constant attempt to correct itself. The NFB feature, tilt lift, and extreme cable enhance the boat’s performance.
2. Check the Hot-Stamped Identification Number
The steering cable is the more frequently returned product to marine part stores because boaters often don’t know how to identify the correct steering cable by the product number.
There is a hot-stamped identification number on the cable jacketing of every steering cable. Cable jackets are the peripheral, black cable layer protecting the conductor core from external harm and insulating it from exposure.
The serial number imprint on the cable jacketing will provide the necessary information to determine the steering cable length needed. The manufacturer’s product number is on the engine end of the cable.
For example, SeaStar Solutions product number – SSC6316- The letter combination at the beginning indicates what type of brand it is (SSC- SeaStar Cable). The following two numbers demonstrate the series, and 16 stands for length in feet.
On a Morse cable, the last three numbers are the length of the cable in inches. Morse and Teleflex are older brands of steering cables. Usually, Morse mechanical steering systems are on boats 35 ft in length.
If the identification number on the steering cases has often worn off with time and is no longer there, you’ll have to measure the cable with a tape measure. There is a formula to follow that will ensure accurate measurement.
3. Measure Both the Cable and the Boat
Measuring a boat steering cable requires thoroughness. Generally, a boat’s steering cable is subject to depreciation. Therefore, replacing it is an inevitable part of its life cycle. Regularly check steering cables for corrosion, cracks, and cuts.
Frequently Dometic and SeaStar promote the expression- “Measure Twice. Order Once.” Having a proper steering cable is crucial for any boating experience.
First, measure the steering cable with a tape measure and follow the correct formula per type of cable and manufacturing brand.
Second, measure the boat’s dimensions to guarantee the exact length. Having too much or too little cable would hinder steering capability.
Order and purchase the correct cable only once. Cable maintenance requires yearly inspection- approximately three times a year followed by the proper care.
4. Measuring the Boat Steering Cable
Frequently, people mismeasure their steering cable from one end to the next. Learning the formula and correct measurement techniques will save time and costs. There are different formulas for the three distinct types of cables.
Measure only the plastic jacket cable on the rotary and rack-and-pinion steering cable. Once you have the measurement, the formula below will calculate the accurate steering cable length measurement.
The formula for rotary steering cable is the measurement of the plastic jacket with an additional 18 inches. Then take this formula and round it up to the next foot.
The formula for a rack-and-pinion steering cable is the measurement of the plastic jacket with an additional 30 inches. Use this formula and round it up to the next foot.
The hydraulic jet boat steering cable’s formula measures from one edge to another. This formula plus the measurement length – round it up to the next foot. The hydraulic jet formula applies to small boats.
Too much cable length will result in a surplus bend radius and amount to wastefulness and cable backlash. In sum, don’t use more than the required amount of cable length.
5. Measuring the Boat’s Dimensions for A Steering Cable
Measuring to install the steering cable properly is a relevant part of the steering and boating overall. It’s vital to lay the cable in the straightest possible line, as the cable’s bending obstructs the ability of the cable to function.
It’s simple to replace your steering cable so long as you follow the formula of the boat’s dimensions. Measuring the cable according to your boat’s dimensions guarantees certainty in length. The procedure is a series of steps seen below.
To install a new steering system on a sterndrive, follow a formula fashioned by the boat’s dimensions. Divide the vessel into three sections A, B, and C.
A is the distance between the centerline of the helm and the gunwale; it’s a horizontal measurement with the boat driver facing forward.
Measuring B is the length along the gunwale. It’s the entire length of the gunwale to where it intersects with the transom.
C is the distance from the intersection of the gunwale and transom along to the boat’s centerline.
Then add A + B + C to get a prerequisite base for the steering cable measurement. From the sum of the A +B + C equation, deduct 4 inches from every 90° bend in the cable.
For formulas for installations attached to the transom- deduct 6 inches. Fittings through the engine tilt tube add 6 inches. Take the summation of your calculations and round to the next foot.
Follow the same measurement formula for an outboard-powered boat and add 6 inches to A, B, and C individually.
6. Ensure Regular Maintenance and Care of Steering Cable
Maintaining the condition of a steering cable is crucial and requires at least thrice-yearly inspections, cleaning, and care. Salt, dirt, and corrosion are the main reasons for rigid steering and, in some circumstances, cable seizure.
Lubricate cable fittings with marine-grade, water-resistant, lithium-based grease and apply the lithium grease thoroughly throughout the tilt tube.
Detach the steering cable telescopic output ram from the tilt tube. Slide the tilt tube up and thoroughly clean the space within the diameter. Use a brass wire scrub and scour until clean.
When reassembling the different features of the steering cable, confirm that the helm, cable, and steering wheel are secured tightly and able to function correctly. Inspect for bending, excess, loose bindings, or unrestricted movement in parts.
Where there are meant to be locking fasteners, don’t use non-locking fasteners as the boat’s vibration will unfasten the bindings and cause steering problems.
When storing your boat for long durations, take the steering cable out, clean it, and lubricate it to ensure longevity. Be sure not to end up on open water without adequate steering.
Conclusion
Replacing your boat’s steering cable could be as simple as checking the manufacturer’s identification number, which is hot stamped onto the engine end of the cable. Check with your local marine store or go online for a consultation or cross-reference between the different brand’s identification numbers.
Depending on the cable type, there are different formulas to follow when measuring your boat’s steering cable with a tape measure. The same applies to measuring the dimensions of your boat. It’s vital to maintain consistent care of your boat and regularly check for cuts, cracks, and corrosion.
Project “Measure Twice, Order Once” Boating
Check out our article on: How To Dock A Pontoon Boat (Important Tips!)
