How to Measure a Boat Steering Cable

Replacing a boat steering cable yourself is an easy process, provided you know what measurements to take. There are three essential measurements that need to be taken in order to deduce how much steering cable you'll need.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Steering cable Tape measure
Steering cable
Tape measure

Step 1

Use the right type of tape measure. You can use a contractor-type tape, but it's best if you use something that contours to the boat like a surveyor's tape measure. Even a piece of rope will work. Just make sure you check the length and write it down.

Step 2

Measure from the center of the steering column to the gunwale (side) of the boat.

Step 3

Measure from the dash to the transom, or rear of the boat where the cable attaches to the motor's steering kit.

Step 4

Measure from the gunwale to the cable connector at the center of the tiller on the back of the boat.

Step 5

Add the three measurements together to give you the total amount of steering cable necessary.

Tips & Warnings

For a motor tilt feature, add an additional six inches to your measurements to compensate for the motor movement.

Article Written By Patrick Cameron

Patrick Cameron is a freelance writer with 10 years of diverse experience in consumer goods branding, promotions and retail communications. He works out of his home in Denver, Colo. He received his Bachelor of Arts in mass communication from the University of Minnesota.

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