Cut the steering cable? How crazy is that?

[trumpetbucks]

Hey guys:<br /><br />Trying to fix a steering problem (like I have no steering and I want to fix that!!).<br /><br />My project boat has two steering cables on it from previous owner. The one hooked up to the steering wheel is working (the inner cable moves in and out) but there is nothing there to connect this thing to the motor. The inner cable is just hanging out (like naked) four or five inches beyond the cable sheathing. Also, the front of the motor does NOT have the tube and bracket above it connections that I have seen on just about every other boat. (This is a 72 Evinrude motor, BTW.) The motor only has a small bracket on the front with two fingers that have a hole running horizontally (if you can picture that, you're doing a lot better than I am!).<br /><br />First problem: What do I need to connect steering cable to motor?<br /><br />Secondd problem: The dingbats who had the boat before me bought a steering cable that's like 2 or 3 feet too long (the one that's hooked up and which they apparently were using). My father-in-law says to just take a hack saw and cut the thing shorter. That sounds crazy in one way, but just looking at what I presently have to work with, what could I lose by trying it?<br /><br />Is there anyone who can tell what in the world I'm talking about and give me some advice?<br /><br />I will try posting some pics tomorrow.<br /><br />Thanks guys.

 

[moderator1]

Re: Cut the steering cable? How crazy is that?

Moving to Project Boats. You will get more responses there.

 

[JasonB]

Re: Cut the steering cable? How crazy is that?

If it's a standard type cable, like a rack/pinion, I doubt you can cut it. The ends are made a certain way at the factory. The cable likely will not work. The easiest way is to but the right length and just drop it in.

 

[one more cast]

Re: Cut the steering cable? How crazy is that?

Your motor is set up for the old cable & pully style steering. Someone must make an adaptor I would think.

 

[bjsmelton]

Re: Cut the steering cable? How crazy is that?

I bought a 13' cable for my steering console when I only needed 11'. The thinking was a little more was much better than not being long enough and it would give me room for console adjustments and possible a larger hydraulic jackplate someday.<br /><br />When installing the steering I had to fight the extra length. The cable manual said I was good to make bends down to an 8" radious. What I came up with is an S-curve in the bilge. It actually looks pretty good.<br /><br />I'd keep trying different bends in the bilge and maybe even a little in the console.