merc steering cable

[usmcbucfan]

I was wondering where I could find the proper steering cable for my boat. It is a 50 merc ser# 5799109 on a 15' boat. I'm not really sure if there is a proper length or if I just measure what is in there and go from there. Thanks for the help.

 

[highaltitude]

Re: merc steering cable

just measure whats there. there is usually a number stamped in the cable at one of the ends. you might consider spending the extra money to get a complete kit (except the steering wheel). they are not much more and will eliminate any mismatch problems at the helm

 

[usmcbucfan]

Re: merc steering cable

is there any brand that is better than another, or a certain thing I should look for? And what exactly comes in the kit other than the cable?

 

[funpilot]

Re: merc steering cable

usmcbucfan,<br />I've done this twice, once on a Glastron running a Berkley jet drive, and once on a Pontoon running a Johnson 25. In both cases, I simply removed the steering cable, measured it from fastening location to fastening location, and brought the whole thing to a marine dealer so they could verify the connection ends. If your marine dealer isn't large enough to stock a wide assortment of cables, they will have a catalog, and they will help you order the exact cable you need. In my case, I only had to wait a day for the cable to show up. Any quality cable will do fine. Be careful not to stress the cable by putting too tight of a bend in it when you are installing the new one. I've only bought the cable in the past, and they come with no hardware.