Single vs Dual steering cables. What do I need?

[Lpoley]

The steering cable kit needs replacement on my boat. It's a 2000 Glastron GX 180 SF. It has a 125hp Mercury Outboard. I max out at about 40mph. The boat currently has a dual cable setup. My question is, do you all think that it is necessary for me to get a dual set put back in or would a single cable setup suffice. What are the benefits of having dual cables? The reason I ask is the dual cables and rack and pinion cost around $400 whereas the single cable, rack and pinion, and gear box kit runs me only around $150. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Also. What is the difference between a normal and a no feedback steering cable? Is it worth the extra money to get the no feedback?

 

[Lpoley]

Anybody have any suggestions? I am trying to make the most informed decision possible before ordering parts, however I am not very informed on this subject matter.

 

[TD_Maker]

I hope I can offer a little bit of insight. Generally speaking, you will see the dual cable setup on Bass Boats, Ski Boats etc..with 150 HP or more. The dual cables are considered safer and make steering the high-torque motors easier. That being said, I have seen older boats with a single no-feedback system be just fine. In fact, I had a 21 ft Sea-Pro with a 150 Optimax and a single cable setup right from the factory. It worked fine. So, as a general statement, and considering you have a 125 HP Mercury, I would think that a single cable setup would work for you. It is also unusual that BOTH cables in the dual system would fail at the same time. Could be that only one cable is bad.

To answer your second question, a No-Feedback steering system helps with the steering torque of the motor under power...it prevents the steering wheel from spinning out of your hands and taking a hard right. Its worth the investment with a high-powered motor.

If you are open to suggestions, and you are considering spending $450 for a dual system, why not look at a Bay Star Hydraulic system (Made by Sea Star) for about the same price? This system is made for motors under 150 hp and it is easy to install. It will make driving your boat enjoyable again.

 

[Lpoley]

This is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you for the advise. I did some research on the hydraulic system and I think that's the route I am going to go. I thought it would have costed way more than that. How much more difficult is it to install than a rack and pinion dual steering kit, or is it an easier installation?

Also, what about the throttle, is there a better alternative for this as well? Mine seems to make a bit of grinding noises when shifting into forward, not so much when shifting into reverse.

 

[TD_Maker]

The BAYSTAR system (By SeaStar) will fit your setup just fine. This system is made for outboard motors under 150 hp. I had absolutely no issues at all when I installed it on my boat. The pressure line tubes are a lot easier to run than the bulky cables. If you can bleed brake lines, you can install this system. Well worth the investment in my humble opinion.

The grinding noise you speak of could possibly be an adjustment (at the motor) where the control cables attach. . A couple of turns of the adjustment wheel (or nut) could fix your issue.