Question about the Steering Cables?

Question

Hi,

I have a 1986 Bayliner (13 ft) and a 1992 Evinrude 48 SPL. When I purchased the motor, it came with all the cables except for the steering cable.

It was too long, and too difficult to hide in our small boat because it didn't bend easily. Hubby is too absorbed in the TV right now, so I've looked on eBay for a steering cable but all of them look the same to me. I don't want to a duplicate cable that I don't need.

Is a "CONTROL" cable the same thing? How many cables do I need? And what are they called? I'm so CONFUSED!!!

I've seen the "Steering Sets" on eBay, that come with the cable and a whole bunch of other junk. I think all I need is the cable itself though.

Many I've seen are made by Teleflex. Is the steering cable I'm looking for universal between Models/Years/Makes? And how much should I expect to spend for the steering cable.

Please, any information you have to share is very appreciated. I WILL pick a best answer.

Thank you in advance

Answer 1

When you try to buy a steering cable for a boat there are several things to keep in mind.

#1 the length of cable. Your best bet is to measure from the helm out to the gunwale (sidewall of the boat), back to the stern, and then inwards to the engine. Each company had a slightly different and special measuring procedure so you should check each. In general; however, you should add approx. 1 ft and round up to the next even foot. (Basically you are measuring the rout the cable will take to the engine)

#2 there are several styles of steering. The first is single cable rack. In this style the cable hooks to a long rod with teeth on it which mesh with teeth on the steering wheel. It can be identified by a long rectangular box (the rack) at the helm end of the cable.

Rack steering also comes in dual cable applications. This style works the same but employs two cables for increased control. (This type is generally used for large engines so I doubt your 48spl uses it.)

The second type of steering is rotary cable. These cables look like they have a long spring hanging out of one end. This spring like cable is pulled and pushed in and out of the helm unit to move the engine. A rotary helm is shaped like a round cylinder or large U-shaped box like apparatus mounted to the helm (steering wheel).  Rotary helm also come in dual cable instalations (once again, for larger engines)

There are several makes and models of steering systems so You're best bet is to replacethe whole thing as it will be quite hard to match components without knowing what was in the boat or being able to identify what you have on site.

Most cables cost between $150-$300

Most complete systems cost from $250-$550

Control cables are used to shift and accelerate the boat and are not the same component as steering cables.

Good luck! Hope this helps. If you need more info you can contact me through this site.

Answer 2

look into hydraulic steering i don,t think the conversion is real expensive