Single cable vs. Cable-pulley steering

[coolguy147]

Well, I've been updating my boat by converting it to a long shaft boat. Anyways, I currently have the old cable-pulley system that works ok but I've read that anything over 40hp and you need to use the single cable system. I'm going to be using a 1985 60hp. true?

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Single cable vs. Cable-pulley steering

the reason you don't see cable/pulley steering is because it is dangerous--if it fails, it will do so without warning, your motor will whip to one side and your boat will likely flip.

But I still use it on my old whaler, so I'm not lecturing. Since you are updating your boat, do it right.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Single cable vs. Cable-pulley steering

When that's all we had, that was all we had and we used it. Now, if you are resoring your hull and want it period correct, then the cable and pulley is the way to go. However, if you are restoring it for a "daily driver" (Which you are because you have already raised the transom) then the more modern push-pull helm and cable is the way to go.

Using automobiles as an analogy: We no longer would consider using skinny tires on spoke wheels but you still see them on restored classics.

And, a base model helm and cable will not break the bank.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Single cable vs. Cable-pulley steering

Single Cable, hands down. For the reasons stated. I ran cables back when that's all you had but no more. If your clamp bracket pivot tube isn't large enough to fit a cable into, they make a transom mount that suffices in acting as a "deadman" from which you can push and pull the front of the engine. Teleflex Morse makes the parts, are great people, and tell you how to do things related including which engine needs what. They may sell them on here, otherwise www the company.

Mark

 

[coolguy147]

Re: Single cable vs. Cable-pulley steering

yea, I was leaning towards the single cable anyways. My pontoon still has it lol! but it's a pontoon and has a tiny 10hp on it...so that's ok IMHO.

I have an older helm with a 10ft cable that I got when i bought my new motor. Sold the side console that it was on. I might put the helm in and see how the 10ft cables reaches for a good point of reference? I'll still measure twice of course.

Brand new is out of the question. I'll probably be looking for something local and used.

 

[F_R]

Re: Single cable vs. Cable-pulley steering

Then how come they use cable/pulleys on race boats and airplanes? They are perfectly safe ---IF installed properly and high quality parts. There were a lot of junk pulleys on the market at one time. And a lot of people attaching the pulleys to the boat with wood screws. They need to be thru-bolted with stainless steel machine screws and nuts, preferrably self-locking nuts. Give me cable/pulleys over push-pull any day on older motors without a hollow tilt tube because it simply works better. OK, with your 1980's motor with a tilt tube, go with push-pull.

 

[coolguy147]

Re: Single cable vs. Cable-pulley steering

Then how come they use cable/pulleys on race boats and airplanes? They are perfectly safe ---IF installed properly and high quality parts. There were a lot of junk pulleys on the market at one time. And a lot of people attaching the pulleys to the boat with wood screws. They need to be thru-bolted with stainless steel machine screws and nuts, preferrably self-locking nuts. Give me cable/pulleys over push-pull any day on older motors without a hollow tilt tube because it simply works better. OK, with your 1980's motor with a tilt tube, go with push-pull.

My 1961 mercury 500 had a tilt tube! but it uses a ride-guide system...which I have! but didn't use...lol

I used SS machine screws and nylon locking nuts that were through hull fittings! The pulleys were factory riveted to boat. Springs were kinda crappy (rusted) but I agree on the race boats and airplanes thing!

I roughly measured 14.3 feet of needed cable. I'm going to stick my 10ft cable in and measure the difference needed.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Single cable vs. Cable-pulley steering

Then how come they use cable/pulleys on race boats and airplanes? They are perfectly safe ---IF installed properly and high quality parts. There were a lot of junk pulleys on the market at one time. And a lot of people attaching the pulleys to the boat with wood screws. They need to be thru-bolted with stainless steel machine screws and nuts, preferrably self-locking nuts. Give me cable/pulleys over push-pull any day on older motors without a hollow tilt tube because it simply works better. OK, with your 1980's motor with a tilt tube, go with push-pull.

you answered the question yourself when you used the biggest word in the English language: IF

it's not about how well they work but what happens when they fail, and the average consumer boater's lack of knowledge, or care, to assess and prevent the danger.

 

[coolguy147]

Re: Single cable vs. Cable-pulley steering

Got a pre-tech steering system. Everything is nice and smooooth Anyone ever use pre-tech?