Installing steering cable

[tbird175]

I need some help with my steering cable installation problem. I have a 1978Mercury 175HP Blackmax outboard engine on a late 60's model Thunderbird 17' cathedral hull boat. The motor was installed utilizing a rotary steering system with a transom mount pivot block to anchor the steering cable. I want to upgrade to a through the tube cable system but due to the narrow width of the splash well the cable has to bend at a very tight radius. Is there any type modification that I can do to the steering system to solve this problem?

 

[CalicoJack]

Re: Installing steering cable

Go hydraulic

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Installing steering cable

Is there any type modification that I can do to the steering system to solve this problem?

Unfortunately there isn't. A sharp bend will stiffen up the system too much. Even if it's not bad immediately, it will get worse. One question though: Is your issue with the bend just for getting it installed in the tilt tube? or would the bend still be too sharp after it's installed. Cuz if it's the first, you could always pull the motor, installed the tube part, and remount.

 

[tbird175]

Re: Installing steering cable

thanks ezmobee, what would you consider to be the minimum radius for a bend in a steering cable?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Installing steering cable

15 inches. the smaller the radius, the harder to turn the wheel. i had to run one cable out the stern of the boat, and over to the motor.
you can see it here on the starboard side.

 

[j_martin]

Re: Installing steering cable

I have a dual cable setup on an XR4. It is on a jack plate, and the rear cable had too tight a bend in it. Jammed up in time. I put an oval hole in the back of the boat just to the right of the splashwell and ran the cable out that. Works good.

hope it helps
John