Steering Cable Replacement - Which One?

[timconway]

I have a Thundercraft 16' outboard with a 55 hp Mercury. It's from about 1989 and the steering was dangerously stiff. Saturday I took the Cable out. It is a Rack and Pinion type. I want to replace it.<br /><br />I only use the boat for 2 weeks a year when we stay on an Island on Lake Winnipesauke NH where that is the only way to get there and back. <br /><br />My Question is:<br />1. Is it best to stay with rack and pinion? I've searched on the internet and there seem to be other steering types available. Is there any newer technology. It seems the inactivity is what causes this problem. I don't use the boat that much. <br /><br />2. If I do stay with Rack and Pinion, do I buy just the cable, or does the marina put it together... how is it done? <br /><br />Thanks in advance<br /><br />Tim Conway<br />

 

[JasonB]

Re: Steering Cable Replacement - Which One?

Just went through this on my '76 16' tri-hull. The new cable would have been $90 while a new rack and cable was only $110. I went with a new Teleflex "The Rack" kit. It is a piece of cake to install.<br /><br />Rack/Pinion is a very simple and reliable system. I would stay with it.

 

[timconway]

Re: Steering Cable Replacement - Which One?

Thanks Jason<br /><br />I just looked on the Cable, a Detmar 14' cable is what is there. I want to keep it simple, I think I'll just go with that or whatever I can get that is closest<br /><br />Thanks again<br /><br />Tim