Steering cable loop?

[Chad Flaugher]

I've seen other comment threads regarding this, and I've heard different opinions that vary GREATLY. The cable I'm replacing in my I/O Cobalt had a large loop near the transom. At a glance, it appears this is by design as it leads to perfect alignment for transom penetration. Secondly, it keeps the cable out of the storage area.

If I order a cable short enough to avoid the loop, the cable will run right across my storage are in order to be properly aligned for penetration. The previous loop was approximately 24" across. The previous owner said he had changed the original cable out, but said the original cable also had the loop. Any thoughts on this? I fear that running the cable strait across the storage area would lead to premature failure due to tubes, toys, and fishing gear ending up on top of it in rough waters. Others suggest that the loop itself will lead to failure. Hmmmmm

1974 18' Cobalt, OMC components, 190hp V8, Rack and pinyon steering system.

 

[Fun Times]

Just some helpful notes to help guide you along:
Steering cable outer casing must be free to move back and forth for steering system to function properly. Do not fasten any items to steering cable.
If steering cable with improper dimensions is installed, severe damage to transom assembly and/or steering system may result.
1. Steering cable must be the correct length, particularly when installed in larger boats.
2. Avoid sharp bends, kinks or loops in cable.
See pages 25 -34,http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Install/gas/86017211.pdf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsHvms0XLic

Is most of the cable in that area able to move freely in the position it's in now?

 

[redneck joe]

get the long one and keep it out of the way of gear. The loop will not cause a failure

 

[GA_Boater]

This is worth a picture, Chad. If you have room for a loop, I visualize you have room for no loop. Any idea how long ago the cable was changed out, maybe the loop is causing a shorter life?

 

[Willyclay]

Teleflex installation instructions recommend bends no less than a 12 inch radius. Be safe!

 

[Chad Flaugher]

The old cable (which I removed already) had a 24" loop. It's hard to explain, but it really did look like a designed loop! It ran against the side of the hull all the way to the transom, looped around and exited without interfering with storage space. The cable was still functional, but the casing was split and rusted right at the exit point. The cable was used when the previous owner installed it. It was very stiff, even laying flat on the ground out of the boat.