Hunky Dory
Petty Officer 2nd Class
- Joined
- Jul 20, 2003
- Messages
- 102
So, I bought the Dory on Ebay. The steering was stiff (as in: screamed for mercy when turned) and the obvious solution was to buy a new cable. But what cable do I need and how is it measured and will new cables mount to old boats and then attach to the steering without doubling the cost of the boat before I'm through?<br /><br />Besides, what self-respecting motorcyclist can't lube a cable?<br /><br />Of course, the answer was me! Those suckers are obstinate with swedged ends and racks and seals and tubes that cover the inner cable from any attempt at first aid! And if it was stiff on the boat it was impossible off...<br /><br />After three ineffective helm and full-cable removals it became a battle of will. There had to be a way to get to the interior short of a hacksaw or torch...<br /><br />Well, no. But I finally hit on something that matched the prognostications of that fortune cookie ('great joy and celebration' not 'wealth and beauty') and I am pleased to pass it on:<br /><br />First, let me mention that air pressure is going to be applied in unconventional ways and it could hurt you or your boat or your kids or your dog. Don't do this unless you can protect yourself/boat/kids/dog/bystanders from potential harm. I slid a length of poly pipe over the whole arrangement I'm about to describe. Nothing ever blew so I'm unsure what good or bad effect it might have had. <br /><br />The cable can be left in the boat. Remove the transom end. Remove all the mounting tubes and balls and junk. Adapt a short strong hose of suitable ID (5/8 in my case) to a quick release air fitting on one end and the cable's outer sheath end-fitting on the other (use a REAL GOOD hose). Double clamp. Arrange and secure hoses so a substantial sump occurs right at the cable end. <br /><br />Now, tie everything down to prevent damage in the event of bursting. Fill the hose-sump with Power Blaster penetrating oil or the slurry of your choice. Turn down the pressure on your air supply and disconnect the supply hose at the source. Attach the air hose to the quick release. Hide behind protection, attach the supply hose and turn up the air pressure to less than the burst strength of your hose. Go away.<br /><br />When you come back later the steering should be better. I'm sure you would never crank up the pressure to max killer force an leave it that way for days like someone I know too well (that's the use good hose part because judgment fades while obstinacy but feeds upon itself).<br /><br />Oh, I also turned the steering every once in awhile to help the PB ooze along the way (I took the pressure off while I did this). You might want a drip pan under the helm -- as soon as you see a drop, you're in business with lube along the entire inner cable.<br /><br />Having not died, I'm ecstatic with the result.
