E-rude Remote Control Cables - How long should they be?

[tomats]

I am replacing the teleflex cables on my 18 Starcraft Mariner CC to my 90 hp Evinrude. I ripped out the cc and reinstalled the floor etc.

Anyway, the cc is close to it's original spot (at least where is was when I got it). I measured and calculated I need about 12 feet of cable length to go down from the remote control through the floor, back up and through the splash well to the motor. This incorporates steering, so I though I'd go with 13 ft cables to add a little.

The cables that came out of there are 17 ft long! almost as long as the boat, this has been somewhat of nuisance, but is there any reason to have so much extra lenght? Just inquiring before I order new cables. Seems like too much extra length adds resistence but..?

 

[F_R]

Re: E-rude Remote Control Cables - How long should they be?

One of the worst mistakes is making them too short!! With a CC it'ws haqrd to say, but the idea is to have as few bends as possible and hopefully no S-curves. A large loop is better than a S-curve. And certainly no sharp bends.

 

[tomats]

Re: E-rude Remote Control Cables - How long should they be?

Thanks, it definitely makes and S-turn now as it comes up the centerline through the floor and out to the starboard side and through the splashwell opening. Can't really think how I can eliminate that S-turn...

 

[F_R]

Re: E-rude Remote Control Cables - How long should they be?

Well, I guess you are stuck with an S-curve going from the center tunnel to the side of the splashwell. Don't do another s-curve from there to the motor. Go PAST the motor and make a loop around and into the front of the motor. That loop will "roll" as you steer back and forth, staying the same diameter. An S will tighten the curve radius when steering one way and try to form another S when steering the other way.

That is why cables seem at first to be so darn long.