SoCal Jet Boats

Tech Talk => Interior => Topic started by: crewchief22 on April 05, 2009, 03:31:49 PM

Title: Steering cable
Post by: crewchief22 on April 05, 2009, 03:31:49 PM
The steering in the Hondo has been stiff for a while now, so I decided to pull the rack and cable assembly.  The rack is a Kiekhaefer/Mercury with a Ride Guide cable.  The rack looks to be in excellent condition but the cable will not move by hand.

From what I've been able to determine the cables have been disconntinued (I'll call Tom tomorrow  ;D )

If anyone have a suggestion,  please let me know.

Title: Re: Steering cable
Post by: Luckie Stiff on April 05, 2009, 04:21:18 PM
Unless I'm missing something here, I'm thinkin' a standard steering cable would work just fine, might need to add a foot or so to make up for that tube on the helm end. Good Luck
Title: Re: Steering cable
Post by: Brad @ SCJB on April 05, 2009, 05:17:41 PM
nah...thats anything but standard...the pump end is standard. but the wheel side is nothing i have seen before...its not a rotory or rack style.....good luck....let us know what ya find!
Title: Re: Steering cable
Post by: crewchief22 on April 05, 2009, 05:32:02 PM
The end of the cable shown under the rack normally runs through the rack and attaches at the other end.

It has to be a solid rod or it would just flex.
Title: Re: Steering cable
Post by: Oldsquirt on April 05, 2009, 05:39:51 PM
The steering in the Hondo has been stiff for a while now, so I decided to pull the rack and cable assembly.  The rack is a Kiekhaefer/Mercury with a Ride Guide cable.  The rack looks to be in excellent condition but the cable will not move by hand.

From what I've been able to determine the cables have been disconntinued (I'll call Tom tomorrow  ;D )

If anyone have a suggestion,  please let me know.

In the mid-90's I needed a cable for the same system. All the hot rod boat shops in my area told me that cables weren't available and I would have to buy a complete new system. They were wrong. I went to a regular marine parts dealer and not only did he have Mercury Quicksilver cables, but also a box of the "racks" that the cable connects to inside the helm. Price out the door was less than a new system and all the additional parts required to go with it. From the looks of your steering extension, You'll be into some bucks to retrofit a new setup.

So, if you want to try checking, it was:
Park Presidio Marine(located in San Francisco)
(415) 821-2628

I --might-- still have my old setup in the garage(I saved it, but scrapped the boat). It only had about 5 summers of light use on it. If it's the same length cable you need, you can have the whole deal for the cost of shipping. Just measure the length of the cable housing and let me know.


nah...thats anything but standard...the pump end is standard. but the wheel side is nothing i have seen before...its not a rotory or rack style.....good luck....let us know what ya find!

Brad, that was a very common system back in the day..... Much beefier than the "rack-in-the-box" type systems available today.
Title: Re: Steering cable
Post by: jet boat performance on April 06, 2009, 10:23:26 PM
Crew What I sent today was  a very nice "take out" Ride guide replacement cable made for that Helm by Teleflex , its like new , check it ouyt and maybe post some pics so the folks can see how it works , you should have it on UPS tommorow Tom
Title: Re: Steering cable
Post by: GT Jets on April 06, 2009, 10:41:43 PM
That is a super common system, have one in the Southwind and also had one on the Spectra, it's actually a real nicely built system, the problem is with all the companies being bought by one another, the replacement components are being discontinued.

Sounds like Tommy hooked you up though  ;)

GT
Title: Re: Steering cable
Post by: crewchief22 on April 07, 2009, 05:53:31 AM
Thanks Tom

I'll get some pics, and let you know how it goes.
Title: Re: Steering cable
Post by: Willow Wog on April 07, 2009, 11:35:44 AM
I have the same system and its just about locked up solid. I pulled it last night and am in need of the cable. Anyone happen to have one? I wrote down my lengths but forgot them at the house Im pretty sure it was 16' from the cable end to end of rack but ill look forsure tonight.

Thanks in advance
Daniel
Title: Re: Steering cable
Post by: GT Jets on April 07, 2009, 04:40:38 PM
I have the same system and its just about locked up solid. I pulled it last night and am in need of the cable. Anyone happen to have one? I wrote down my lengths but forgot them at the house Im pretty sure it was 16' from the cable end to end of rack but ill look forsure tonight.

Thanks in advance
Daniel

I would buy thoe whole rack in a box dealio from Teleflex, cheaper and more updated, this will save you some greif IMO.

GT
Title: Re: Steering cable
Post by: Willow Wog on April 07, 2009, 04:53:34 PM
I would buy thoe whole rack in a box dealio from Teleflex, cheaper and more updated, this will save you some greif IMO.

GT

Ya thats what its starting to look like Its just kinda hard to drop that kinda coin right now... Im kinda hoping someone has a decent used one around..
Title: Re: Steering cable
Post by: crewchief22 on April 07, 2009, 07:51:12 PM
I would buy thoe whole rack in a box dealio from Teleflex, cheaper and more updated, this will save you some greif IMO.

GT

X2

I would have just ordered the replacement cable & rack but after talking with Tom at JBP (because of the extended steering column of the T-deck making it difficult) we decided to go with a good used cable.

I've been watching Ebay for new old stock of the correct cable so I can get a spare.
Title: Re: Steering cable
Post by: propless on April 07, 2009, 08:03:39 PM
I have the same system and its just about locked up solid. I pulled it last night and am in need of the cable. Anyone happen to have one? I wrote down my lengths but forgot them at the house Im pretty sure it was 16' from the cable end to end of rack but ill look forsure tonight.

Thanks in advance
Daniel

 I have one of these systems in the old/used parts pile,  I'll check to see if its any good.  But if you have standard length steering column I wound just replace the whole thing.   
Title: Re: Steering cable
Post by: COORS HEAVY on April 07, 2009, 08:45:12 PM
By chance anyone know what they get for a new complete set up. mine is getting tight and don't want to take any chances.
Title: Re: Steering cable
Post by: GT Jets on April 07, 2009, 11:54:49 PM
By chance anyone know what they get for a new complete set up. mine is getting tight and don't want to take any chances.

I don't know what Tom sells them for, but if memory serves they cost about $20 more than just the cable.

GT
Title: Re: Steering cable
Post by: Willow Wog on April 08, 2009, 10:41:04 AM
I have one of these systems in the old/used parts pile,  I'll check to see if its any good.  But if you have standard length steering column I wound just replace the whole thing.   

My column is standard length. I would appreciate if you would check that out.
Title: Re: Steering cable
Post by: propless on April 08, 2009, 07:53:43 PM
My column is standard length. I would appreciate if you would check that out.
I just checked it, it turns but its verry stiff.  Even I wouldnt use it and I'm a cheap ###.  ;)
Title: Re: Steering cable
Post by: Willow Wog on April 08, 2009, 09:03:49 PM
I just checked it, it turns but its verry stiff.  Even I wouldnt use it and I'm a cheap ###.  ;)

Thanks anyways my freind
Title: Re: Steering cable
Post by: Jered503 on May 23, 2018, 01:26:19 PM
Crew What I sent today was  a very nice "take out" Ride guide replacement cable made for that Helm by Teleflex , its like new , check it ouyt and maybe post some pics so the folks can see how it works , you should have it on UPS tommorow Tom




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