Got spring fever today. Went over to my folks and started to work on the boat and it was great! I bought a new steering cable from Correct Craft and also a updated steering gear from them also. They said it was the same setup as what the newer boats (98 and up) would have from the factory and would work fine on my 93. Everythign installed fine. Some of the bolt holes were tapped so that was more convenient, but the only difference.
Everything was going fine until I bolted the new rack to the steering column. Granted everything bolted up fine, but it made for a tight bend in the steering cable. The directions said I needed 19 1/2 inches for the bend that directs the cable into the floor. That measurement would be from the center of the column to where the 90 degree bend is. Mine only provides for 16 1/2 or so. It is a tight turn and I think it makes the steering a bit tight. I guess I should have made some extra measurements before I started the project, but I didn't. Is this about the same distance that most newer boats would have? When I double checked with my old cable, everything measured out correctly.
I guess I want to know if this will loosen up a bit after a few hours of use. I did notice that the hex bolts on the tilt column can cause it to feel tight when turning so I adjusted them. Is that large nut that holds the aluminum collar to the steering cable something that could cause it to steer tight? I'd doubt it, but possible? This is the collar that the strut in the back of the boat clamps around for stability. I know I am not describing this too well, but I am just trying to figure out what in the system can cause a tight cable.
I may be making it sound like you need two hands to turn it but it definitly isn't that hard. You can turn it with one finger easy. If I get in Alan or Joel's boat and turn the wheel it is like melted butter. Mine isn't quite that good, but definitely nice. I don't know if there are any tricks or not.
Any advise?
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1993 SkiNautique ProTec
2009 Boatmate trailer.
1240 hours on meter.
http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1559&sort=&pagenum=2&yrstart=1991&yrend=1995 - 1993 Ski Nautique
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