Time to replace steering cable. Price?

[Spot77]

My 1993 boat has probably never had the cable changed as far as I can tell. I bought it in early 2005.

Last year and this year, the steering was stuck after de-winterizing the boat. Starting the engine and letting it run for a minute shook it loose again this year, but even with fresh grease (where I can get to it) it's still pretty tough to turn and there's a lot of play in the steering.

So what the heck....I'll get it replaced.

It's only a 15' boat with a Yamaha 85 hp on it Any clue about what this should run me? I don't want to get sticker shock when I take it into my local mechanic, nor do I want to be taken advantage of.

Thinking about doing the throttle and shift cables as well, but I'm not having any problems with them....does it make sense to do them all at the same time (I'd assume so; it should be cheaper to tear things apart just once.)

What say the experts here?

[rj]

15' steering cable $78.60+shipping
14' control cables $25.23+shipping

you can D.I.Y. for about $150

its not a bad idea to replace all at the same time.
especially if they are all the same age.

or you can pay a shop for several hours labor + parts

[Bob H.]

Measure the old steering cable before buying a replacement. You may want to consider going with a no-feedback helm while you're taking things apart.

[Spot77]

Thanks fellers, I think I might give it a try tomorrow since it'll be so nice out.


Luckily I have great access to the cables as they run to the back of the boat.

[Wasteman]

If you donot want to replace them you can remove the rod and clean the tube with the wire brush used to clean a shot gun. Reassemble, regrease and you'll be good to go. IMHO you can get by w/o spending any money and have the same end result.

Good Luck

[Spot77]

If you donot want to replace them you can remove the rod and clean the tube with the wire brush used to clean a shot gun. Reassemble, regrease and you'll be good to go. IMHO you can get by w/o spending any money and have the same end result.

Good Luck

I took your advice and the steering is at least 50% better. :thumbup:

I'll probably still replace it, but at least now I can wait until the end of the year.

It was pretty dry, and after I disconnected the arm and the motor would swing freely I knew I'd get some good results.

[THOMAS70]

If you donot want to replace them you can remove the rod and clean the tube with the wire brush used to clean a shot gun. Reassemble, regrease and you'll be good to go. IMHO you can get by w/o spending any money and have the same end result.

Good Luck

That's great until it breaks, then will it be worth saving 100.00 bucks? Replace it don't be cheap the boat is 16 years old. The length will be stamped on it.