Steering Cable Change for '93 Sport?

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   I replaced my steering cable when I purchased my boat four years ago but it is stiff again and needs to be replaced. I have already torn everything apart and determined that it is the cable and not the rudder or helm, although there is a bit of slop in the helm as well.

OK, here is my dilemma:

Whitelake marine sells the 19.5 ft. replacement cable  for '93 - '97 Nautiques for $299.50 

DIM says "The current Teleflex HPS 20' rack will work for 93-97 Nautique's but you need the 98 up helm."  

20' HPS rack steering cable  -  $174.57

'98 and up Helm  $109

Since I have some slop in the helm anyway, it seems changing the helm and cable to the newer style make sense and saves about $15 over the '93 cable alone from Whitelake.

Has anyone else done this?  The only problem I can see is that it may confuse a future owner of this boat...  Can anyone tell me why I shouldn't go this route?

I still can't believe I am having to change this cable out after only four years.  

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Randy_in_Ohio Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Platinum Member Joined: September-13-2006 Location: N. Canton, OH. Status: Offline Points: 1891	Post Options Post Reply Quote Randy_in_Ohio Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Steering Cable Change for '93 Sport? Posted: May-16-2011 at 4:36pm
	I replaced my steering cable when I purchased my boat four years ago but it is stiff again and needs to be replaced. I have already torn everything apart and determined that it is the cable and not the rudder or helm, although there is a bit of slop in the helm as well. OK, here is my dilemma: Whitelake marine sells the 19.5 ft. replacement cable for '93 - '97 Nautiques for $299.50 DIM says "The current Teleflex HPS 20' rack will work for 93-97 Nautique's but you need the 98 up helm." 20' HPS rack steering cable - $174.57 '98 and up Helm $109 Since I have some slop in the helm anyway, it seems changing the helm and cable to the newer style make sense and saves about $15 over the '93 cable alone from Whitelake. Has anyone else done this? The only problem I can see is that it may confuse a future owner of this boat... Can anyone tell me why I shouldn't go this route? I still can't believe I am having to change this cable out after only four years.
	1993 Sport Nautique

TX Foilhead Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Grand Poobah Joined: February-01-2009 Location: Kingsland TX Status: Offline Points: 2076	Post Options Post Reply Quote TX Foilhead Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: May-16-2011 at 5:21pm
	I haven't done it yet, but Boat Dr mentioned that solution to me last time I called him. My problem is different, the dealer I bought the boat from replaced the cable and helm, non CC dealer fix to the odd cable size. I didn't know about the odd cable until later, my steering is always a bit stiff at speed, but not bad enough to justify the $300 fix.

lewy2001 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Grand Poobah Joined: March-19-2008 Location: NSW Australia Status: Offline Points: 2234	Post Options Post Reply Quote lewy2001 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: May-16-2011 at 11:14pm
	Randy replace the helm as well. I remember from a previous post by Jody that is his recommended method as the latter cables are an improvement.
	If you're going through hell, keep going 89 Ski <a href="http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=5685" ta

Scrawford Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: June-03-2010 Location: Boise, ID Status: Offline Points: 53	Post Options Post Reply Quote Scrawford Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: May-17-2011 at 1:11pm
	Ah, the infamous steering cable discussion. My 1997 SN had the stock 19.5' cable and OEM helm. I ordered the steering cable online (std 20') and it bolted right on. Can't guarantee that your boat is the same but for 1997s the cable is the same except for the extra 6", which doesn't matter under the dash. TX, See my other posts on this. Your tight steering under load is most likely because your rudder needs to be repacked. The issue is that when the rudder is receiving force from the prop it loads the joint causing binding. If that joint is not properly lubed then it will be tight when under stress.
	Eric 97 196 Closed Bow

Randy_in_Ohio Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Platinum Member Joined: September-13-2006 Location: N. Canton, OH. Status: Offline Points: 1891	Post Options Post Reply Quote Randy_in_Ohio Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: May-17-2011 at 4:55pm
	I just ordered the new helm and 20' cable. I hope to get it done this weekend, I'll let you know how it goes. I have to fix the leak in the muffler too, I think the water in the bilge from the leaking muffler last summer may be what caused the cable to fail. The new 20' cable is TFXTREME, which is supposed to be better than the old cables, hopefully I will get more than four years out of this one, and if I do have to change it again in the future, it will be a lot cheaper than the 19.5 ft. cable.
	1993 Sport Nautique

eshowcase Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: April-15-2010 Status: Offline Points: 36	Post Options Post Reply Quote eshowcase Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: May-17-2011 at 4:55pm
	+1 on what Scrawford says. Sounds like you already have it apart, but I've found that 9 times outta 10, the rudder just needs a squirt of grease, or repacked. Much cheaper then a cable.
	92 SNOB

Randy_in_Ohio Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Platinum Member Joined: September-13-2006 Location: N. Canton, OH. Status: Offline Points: 1891	Post Options Post Reply Quote Randy_in_Ohio Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: May-17-2011 at 5:19pm
	The rudder is not the issue. It is tough to steer sitting on the trailer. once I removed the cable, I could easily move the rudder with my hand while the steering wheel was still hard to move with the cable disconnected from the rudder. I will give it a couple of pumps with the grease gun while I have it apart anyway.
	1993 Sport Nautique

TX Foilhead Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Grand Poobah Joined: February-01-2009 Location: Kingsland TX Status: Offline Points: 2076	Post Options Post Reply Quote TX Foilhead Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: May-17-2011 at 7:06pm
	That certainly helps the situation, but doesn't eliminate it. The arm on the rudder is long so the original cable with the extra throw could move it through it's full range of motion. The shorter throw can't move the rudder the same as the original, not only does it feel heavy, it most likely isnt turning as much as it should. Not a huge issue, I might loose some maneuverability around the dock and it makes hard power turns a workout. I really only need those things 2 times a year for the hydrofoil shows at drag boat races and when we pull doubles on the river. It will get to the top of the list once the Pro Tec is gone because moving it up would insure the Pro Tec would go out as soon as the cable was done.

Steering Cable Change for '93 Sport?

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