steering replacement

[sdbeans]

Restoring an old crest pontoon. Putting in new control console and rotary steering control. Any advice? Should the steering control be turned so the cable comes out the starboard side or be placed so the cable points down thru the hole in the floor. Most instructions show boat helm installation to starboard.

 

[Cat nip]

I put mine pointing down. But i have a narrow console. I think with a regular boat it would go to the side so it could go down the gunwale and a pontoon it needs to go under the floor.

 

[ahicks]

Do what works best for you. Makes absolutely no difference. Anything that will reduce the radius of the bends in that cable are a good thing!

 

[sdbeans]

Nice. Thanks for the info

 

[HotTommy]

I just replaced the steering system in my old 24' pontoon boat. Routing of the cable was constrained by the existing placement of the console and the hole leading down to the space beneath the deck. If you don't get the cable length pretty close you'll find yourself looking for ways to make the cable fit and that can lead to sharp bends or extra bends. Get that part right and its pretty straight forward. ..... Pay particular attention to which side of the helm the cable goes into. On mine it was possible to put it in backwards. ... And there are some useful videos on youtube.

 

[sdbeans]

I followed the instructions for measuring the new cable. Got a new helm and I am worried about getting the new steering control in their correct. Wanting to avoid exactly what you mention above

 

[Groo]

I went with 1 foot longer than factory when I replaced mine to open up the bend radii. I also punch a hole in the aluminum trim beside the motor to raise the cable for the same reason.