Hey guys, just like it says... How do you determine the proper steering cable length?
I have a 21' Bahner. Currently the steering is hard and rack seems a bit worn so I'm going new. The problem is the cable I have now travels back to transom from the wheel, dips down along stringer back towards the front of the boat, then up and over the exhaust snail and finally exits the transom. Seems too long to me if there's a big enough loop to sit on exhaust but this is all new to me. Is it just this way for easier steering or would it feel the same if it were to travel along transom with just a smaller loop behind exit hole? Thanks.

Not the best pic but all I have right now...


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Mine goes down the side to transom passing the pump then circling down to the steer tube. Its the black cable...I also have a zerk fitting sleeve on the outside to help keep cable lubed/slow water contamination.

You can see the fitting on the steer tube...

Thanks for sharing. I think with a little shorter cable I can route that way too without having it come all the way back up against the motor.


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Use your existing cable and try a few different routings.  The routing in the pictures that runs down the gunwale, then across the top of the transom, and into a generous loop down into the steer tube is a very clean routing and keeps the cable safe from exhaust heat.  The loop should be fairly generous otherwise it could kink the cable or will cause binding or premature wear.  Try to keep the bend radius to a minimum of 12-inches or about a 2-foot diameter loop (about the same as in the box that the new steering will be packaged in).  Do not allow any of the cables to come in contact with the exhaust or driveline.

There are only a few available cable lengths; so measure your cable, play with the routing, and note if a shorter length is both better suited to your boat and available.  You may be stuck with just one option.

Cheers,

Joe

Use your existing cable and try a few different routings.  The routing in the pictures that runs down the gunwale, then across the top of the transom, and into a generous loop down into the steer tube is a very clean routing and keeps the cable safe from exhaust heat.  The loop should be fairly generous otherwise it could kink the cable or will cause binding or premature wear.  Try to keep the bend radius to a minimum of 12-inches or about a 2-foot diameter loop (about the same as in the box that the new steering will be packaged in).  Do not allow any of the cables to come in contact with the exhaust or driveline.

There are only a few available cable lengths; so measure your cable, play with the routing, and note if a shorter length is both better suited to your boat and available.  You may be stuck with just one option.

Cheers,

Joe

Thanks Joe. I'll unhook the cable and move it around a bit before I order a new one.


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