replaceing steering cable and installing some kind of step

[brianis]

so my steering cable is needing replaced pretty nasty looking but not sure if this is a certain cable i have to get or if something else is needed also looking for ideas for some kind of step to get into boat if in the water to hard to boost my daughter up while in water and myself climbing in i think the only place is in the rear but has to be small as the way the boat is designed pic herehttp://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i376/brianishmael/starcraftarrow005.jpg

sorry for the link files apparently to large and when i try to resize them never works any input greatly appreciated

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: replaceing steering cable and installing some kind of step

You can either replace the plastic coated cable OR change the entire steering system with a single cable system and add a small swim platform.

 

[Numlaar]

Re: replaceing steering cable and installing some kind of step

Hey Brianis,

You have a very old steering system on that boat... its a cable/pulley system, that is wound around the bottom of the steering helm... those are a bit tricky to replace and get them wound correctly, so you have the same amount of steer left/right...

Also, not really even sure where you would get the correct kind of cable for it.

If the motor has a "tilt tube" (being and old merc it may or may not), you can go to a "modern" single cable system. You would definitely need to make sure the motor bracket has this before deciding to switch... otherwise it could become quite costly.

If it has the tilt tube, then I would do away with the pulley system... they can get bound up. For that small of a boat, a mechanical one is fine, (either a rack or rotary depending on the space available under the dash. compete system ~150.00 bucks.

There is plenty of room to install a single step swim platform on either side of the motor.

Good luck!

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: replaceing steering cable and installing some kind of step

You can get Vinyl coated cable at most Lowes or Home Depot's. I did for my 1961 Lonestar. Pay attention to the windings of what you have now and the overall length and you should have no issues replacing it. I used duct tape wrapped around the steering collars to hold it all in place once I had the wraps in place. If you do decide to go to the Teleflex type steering (cost is around $150 bucks) and your motor does not have the tube, (which I'm sure it does not), you will need to buy the transom mount adapter which is about $75.00. Not to hard to mount and make work on your Classic Merc ( which by the way I'm already Lusting after). As for the step I'd recommend a transom mounted two step ladder like this one... Cost is less than $100 bucks. Just make sure to pre-drill your holes and coat the bolts with 3M 4200 sealant to protect that Beautiful Classic Boats Transom.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: replaceing steering cable and installing some kind of step

I'd recommend replace the cable/pulley system with a modern single cable system as the others have suggested. The pulley systems can be a pain, loosen up, and rattle. I made the swap on my last boat. Here's a system for a great price http://www.lowcostboatingstore.com/Uflex-ROTECH-Kits_c_226.html Since your Merc most likely doesn't have a steering tube, you'll need to add one of these: http://www.iboats.com/Corrosion-Res...5764940--**********.611379388--view_id.192758