Control cable loop... how big??

[Fishallot]

I have a 93' 115 Merc 4 cyl. on a 17' Aquasport. As you can see from this pic I need to replace my control cables. They are worn where the engine cover goes over them.<br /><br />

<br /><br />I know that the cables need to have a loop in them for free movement on turning and tilting the motor. The pic below shows the loop in the current cables that I have. I feel like this loop is too big, it gets in my way while trying to fish. Can anyone offer advice on how large the loop needs to be? If anyone has this same boat I would really like to know what cable length you have.<br /><br />

<br /><br />Thanks in advance for any help.... Rob

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Control cable loop... how big??

the loop needs to be round enough to offer full movement in each direction, all the way. technically, the naufacturer says they can bend a 8" radius, but that seems awfully tight to me, mine are a good bit less than yours are....you could def use a tighter radius...<br /><br />what length are yours, i just bought a pair or merc cables that are 12 feet which i am not gonna use, they came with a control box i purchased recently... email me if i can help you<br />phatmanmike@yahoo.com

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Control cable loop... how big??

Fishalot, there is a formula for determining the length of the control cables. You can find it in the catalogs from BoatUS and West Marine. <br /><br />Here is the basic procedure. For a starboard side mount control box: You need to measure from the control box down the gunwale to a point on the gunwale which lines up with the motor, at a right angle. Note this measurement. Now measure from the gunwale to the motor's access point. This is the two sides of a right triangle, if you can visualize it. Then you add a fixed amount of cable for slack and round up to the next foot increment.<br /><br />ALternatively, you can measure the old cables. They appear to have the correct loop.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Control cable loop... how big??

A foot shorter would be about right. Measure the distance from the control box to the motor and add 2'. That will get you close enough...

 

[Fishallot]

Re: Control cable loop... how big??

Thanks for the replies. Is there an easy way to figure out how long the cables I have now are? I 'd like to have my new cables ready to install before taking the old ones off.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Control cable loop... how big??

Fishalot, Use the formula to determine the correct length cables. Buy the cables and install them.