1980's Outboard models and splash well boots....

[Mark42]

As you can see from my signature, I have a 1985 Capri. The motor well (aka splash well) boot on the cables is torn and needs replacing. I know from replacing the steering cable last year that on my particular model, the motor must come off, or at the least, be shifted all the way to the port side to get the steering cable out/in from the through tube on the outboard. Don't want to break the seal on the bolts going through the transom (took great pains to ensure they were sealed well with 3M 4200). So, I ordered a split boot that just wraps around the bundle of cables and is closed with a tie wrap.

This is what I bought:

The Bayliner has the steering cable, electric cable, starting cables, throttle and shift cables all coming through that same hole in the sidewall of the splashwell. The sizing of the boot is not a problem, it can be cut shorter to make a larger opening and closed with a tie wrap.

So here is my problem: The Force motor is set up so that the throttle and shift cables have the inner cable anchored to the powerhead, and the SHEATH connected to the levers for throttle and shift. So every time the throttle is moved, or shifted from foward to reverse, the cables move in and out of the motor. This also makes them move in and out of the hole in the side of the splashwell too, making it hard to wrap the cables tight for the new boot.

So.... I am thinking of anchoring the shift and throttle cable to the steering cable with a few tie wraps over a 8-10" area. That will keep the cables from moving in/out in the new boot, and still leave about 3 feet of cable in a loop to move in the splash well itself.

Sound like a good idea? How have you outboard Bayliner owners with Force engines dealt with this "backwards" cable issue?

Thanks,

Mark

 

[NYBo]

Re: 1980's Outboard models and splash well boots....

I don't think that will work. If the whole outer cable housing moves, it's going to still move in and out of the boot opening. However, you don't have to worry about completely sealing the boot unless your splashwell regularly fills with water. But if that happens, you have other problems.

 

[Mark42]

Re: 1980's Outboard models and splash well boots....

I don't think that will work. If the whole outer cable housing moves, it's going to still move in and out of the boot opening. However, you don't have to worry about completely sealing the boot unless your splashwell regularly fills with water. But if that happens, you have other problems.

Thanks for your reply. last night, the cables were held in place by hand while someone else moved the control. Seems to work, but until the tie wraps are put on and we hit the water, who knows.

I do appreciate your opinion. Will keep this thread updated. Maybe even with pics!