How to Replace a Boat Steering Cable

Replace your boat's steering cable if the steering wheel is tight and hard to steer or you feel hesitation while steering. Fix these problems before you go on your next boating trip to avoid being lost at sea. Steering cable problems also can cause potentially fatal accidents.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Rags Adjustable wrench
Rags
Adjustable wrench

Step 1

Pull up the floorboard directly behind the motor housing. Follow the cable located with the muffler and driveshaft with your eyes toward the back of the boat until you can see below the ski locker and gas tank. Remove the connection cable that attaches to the hull by unscrewing the bolt on the bow side of the clamp with an adjustable wrench.

Step 2

Swing the rudder arm out of the way to expose the steering cable. Unscrew the two nuts that connect the steering cable by removing one nut from the center connection and the other from the top of the bolt to remove the steering cable connection from the top of the rudder. Move the driver's seat toward the back and cover the upholstery and carpet with rags to protect from stains.

Step 3

Crawl under the dash and remove the rack-and-pinion assembly by removing the four blots attached to the steering column with an adjustable wrench. Remove all obstacles in the way of the steering cable like the kickboard, heater, subwoofer or stereo amplifier. Remove the old cable by feeding it through the engine compartment and hull.

Step 4

Reverse the process to install the new steering cable. Attach the new cable to the steering wheel assembly and rudder. Replace all final parts removed in the beginning such as the kickboards, heater, subwoofer or stereo amplifier.

Tips & Warnings

Obtain the make, model, and hull number etched in the hull above the ski platform on the starboard side and then contact the boat dealer where you made your original purchase to order the replacement steering cable. Make sure this replacement part is in your hands before attempting to perform the repair and compare the dealership part to the part removed to ensure you have the correct replacement.

Make sure this replacement part is in your hands before attempting to perform the repair and compare the dealership part to the part removed to ensure you have the correct replacement.

Article Written By KaRinda Baker

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