If and when to replace steering system

[towtruck]

Hi Everyone!
I have a 1991 15' center console with original rack & pinion steering. It turns the 2-stroke 50 smoothly and effortlessly. The boat is well maintained and usually gets less than 50 hrs. a year.

A few years ago the shift cable broke without warning. It too was shifting smoothly and effortlessly up until then.

So that has me wondering whether the steering could go at any moment. I don't mind spending the money, but routing a stiff cable with a solid output bar under the deck is no easy feat, so for that reason I don't want to do it if I don't have to. How long are these things supposed to last? Is a prophylactic replacement advisable?

Thanks!

 

[Scott Danforth]

If it works and you use the boat often, run it.

If you start using the boat and the steering gets really stiff, then breaks loose, that is corrosion between the sheath and inner core. That is when you replace

 

[Mc Tool]

Hi Everyone!
I have a 1991 15' center console with original rack & pinion steering. It turns the 2-stroke 50 smoothly and effortlessly. The boat is well maintained and usually gets less than 50 hrs. a year.

A few years ago the shift cable broke without warning. It too was shifting smoothly and effortlessly up until then.

So that has me wondering whether the steering could go at any moment. I don't mind spending the money, but routing a stiff cable with a solid output bar under the deck is no easy feat, so for that reason I don't want to do it if I don't have to. How long are these things supposed to last? Is a prophylactic replacement advisable?

Thanks!

I have to dismount the motor to get my steering cable out ....so yeah ...pita