Had some work done on the boat a few weeks ago. Was told at that time that the steering cable was split and would need to be addressed. While running the boat yesterday, steering finally gave out. Didnāt have time to assess the situation, as I had to get back up to Charlotte. So once again, I look to yāall for advice. Here are the questions I have to start:
If the steering cable is all that needs to be replaced, would you try and do it yourself, or would you have a professional do it?
Even if the steering cable is all that needs to be replaced, would it be sensible or recommended to replace the ENTIRE system while Iām at it? And would it be worth the extra coin to upgrade to a hydraulic system?
What kind of material and labor costs can I expect for:
replacement of JUST the steering cable?
replacement of the entire system with a new MECHANICAL system?
upgrading to a new HYDRAULIC system?
Please get back to me with your thoughts, opinions and/or advice. As usual, thanks in advance.
āIām not a hundred percent in love with your tone right nowā¦ā
1&2. Cables run around $190 part. Cheeper to buy the whole kit to include helm. Only a few $ more. Look at the helm under the wheel. If rusted I would replace it. You should also upgrade to a no ā ā ā ā ā ā ā ā helm. Worth the extra $100 and no more work to install.
You are looking at $1000-$1500 in parts for Hydraulic steering. With a 90hp motor it is not worth it, as you wont be able to tell the difference.
It can be done yourself. Pull the cable out and measure it. Buy the matching cable length. Install new helm and cable. Make sure to clean out the tilt tube bracket (steering cable passes through it.
Replacing a steering cable is very much a DIY project. Worst case scenario is you may have to unbolt the motor from the boat and slide it over a little in order to remove the old cable (this is NOT required in most cases).
Is it worth the dollars to upgrade to hydraulic? That would depend on you boat. If you are putting together a new rig, by all means go with hydraulic, newer boat and motorāmaybe, older boat and motorāstick with what you have. Donāt want the new steering outliving your current boat and motor.
As far as cost of labor, beats me. I will leave that to someone like Chris V.
Nothing to it Scott. Like loopervet said, replace the helm at the same time. You can find a complete system online for what you can locally buy the cable for, and certainly go for Teleflex NFB unit. It takes all the engine torque out of the wheel. Couple hundred dollars. If HP is over about 120, Iād upgrade to hydraulic. Maybe $800 for that. I donāt remember what HP you have.
Pull your cable out and measure it nut to nut before you order a new one. They donāt stretch nor compress and need to be exactly right within a few inches. Need any help, bring it to me.
Thanks for the ā ā ā ā ā ā ā ā , fellas. So based on what yāallāve said, Iāll go with a complete replacement. Does the replacement kit include EVERYTHING I need, or are there any additional parts Iāll need to purchase? Also, how many hours of labor are we talking about from start to finish? Just trying to figure out how much I need to beg the wife forā¦
āIām not a hundred percent in love with your tone right nowā¦ā
Hours depends on if you have to pull the motor to get the cable out. How bad is the tilt tube? Will the cable come out or do you need to cut it and replace it? We have replaced many that were seazed, and had to go with a whole new tilt tube.
Replacement kit comes with everything you need, assuming you are able to get the cable out. Grease and a ram rod is all you need. Sometimes a 12 ga brush is all you need.
quote: Does the replacement kit include EVERYTHING I need, or are there any additional parts I'll need to purchase? Also, how many hours of labor are we talking about from start to finish?
It should include everything. You can even get complete kits with the wheel. Depending on access and corrosion issues, something between 2 and 4 hours. Even if you have to pull the engine and you aināt real handy, maybe 6 hours.
When you pull the steering rod out of the tube (tilt cylinder) run a 12 gauge bore brush on a drill through it several times with some solvent to clean it out good, then grease the heck out of it.
I replaced my steering cable about a year ago. If I can do you, anyone can. Ditto what Larry said about cleaning/greasing the steering tube. I installed a Davis Steering Cable Buddy on mine and now it stays well lubricated.
I replaced my steering cable about a year ago. If I can do you, anyone can. Ditto what Larry said about cleaning/greasing the steering tube. I installed a Davis Steering Cable Buddy on mine and now it stays well lubricated.
Agree with all above. Simple to do. Hardest part (and still not hard) is to remove the motor to get the cable in/out. I had to do that. Rented an engine hoist from Sunbelt for about $30 for a day. Easy peasy.
Was leaning toward just having this work done, but yāall have me thinking I may just jump on it myself. Originally posted by Cracker Larry
Iāve got an engine hoist
My man. I may take you up on this. And I fully realize Iād probably be spending more money on gas (versus renting a hoist) just to get down there, but I can think of few better uses of my moneyā¦. Iāll be in touch.
āIām not a hundred percent in love with your tone right nowā¦ā
quote:Is that the way you talk to everyone, or just BB?
Long hours and lack of sleep is all I can say.
I am sure based on posts I have read of his that he understood it to mean āIf I can do it, anyone canā.
Hey BB, itās worth going down just to see Larryās boat in personā¦and to meet Larry if you have not already. I need to get down that way to pick up some Kiwi Grip from him. Finding the time is the problem.
āApathy is the Glove into Which Evil Slips Itās Handā, but really, who cares?
2-3 hours labor, depends on if we have to remove the motor from the boat to install the new cable
$110 per hour
definitely change the helm at the same time
helm is just as old and just as much wear as the cable, and its only a few buck more
$250 for the helm and cable
):
. Iāll be in touch.