·

How to maintain a boat’s steering cables

Steering Cable

Apr 7, 2022

By keeping a boat’s steering system in proper working order, an owner can ensure that they have reliable and proper control of a boat at all times. Lack of maintenance is the major contributor to stiff steering and in some extreme cases, cable seizure. We suggest the following periodic maintenance at least twice a year:

Be certain the helm(s), cable(s), steering wheel and connection hardware are correctly assembled and in proper working order. Check for signs of stiffness, binding, excessive free play and/or wear. The cables and their components cannot be repaired; if any are not in good working order, replace them. Always replace hoses that have damage to the plastic outer jacket. Disassembling these items will void the warranty and can lead to steering failure.

hps rotary 400Full kits are available. This rotary helm system would even be suitable for a jetboat.

Clean and lubricate the engine tilt tube or cable support tube and the steering cable telescopic output ram as follows:

  • Remove the steering cable(s) telescoping ram from the tilt tube.
  • Clean the inside of the tilt tube thoroughly.
  • Remove corrosion in the tilt tube with a wire brush. Wipe until all loose material is removed.
  • Lubricate the tilt tube with a water-resistant marine grease.
  • Scour the steering cable telescopic ram with a brass wire brush and wipe until clean.
  • Lubricate the sliding parts of the telescopic ram with water resistant marine grease.
  • Reassemble, making sure all (correct) fasteners are tight and there is no binding or excessive free play in moving parts.

Please note where locking fasteners are used. Don’t use non-locking fasteners; vibration can loosen them and cause steering failure. Steering cables can’t be repaired. If the steering cable is deteriorated, doesn’t move or operates in any manner other than correctly, replace it. The cable for your helm is no longer available, replace the helm, bezel and cable with an appropriate steering kit.

Article courtesy of Dometic/Sea Star.

Related Articles

Video Gallery

Bennington 22 MSB

By Andy Adams

If you’ve already had firsthand experience with a pontoon, you will easily understand the appeal of the Bennington 22 MSB. But if you haven’t, let’s start by reviewing a few of the reasons why pontoon boats have become top sellers in markets across North America.

Pontoon boats began in the early 1950s as basically four steel drums lashed to a frame. They were not unlike the log rafts of ancient cultures and not much more sophisticated at first.

Read More

Destinations

The Best of Two Worlds

By Mathew Channer

Interior British Columbia might not be as famous for recreational boating as Canada’s Great Lakes, yet it is no less a world-class boat­ing destination. The mountains offer their own flavour of marine adventure with their series of long, deep ribbon lakes, and there is perhaps no area that embodies this more uniquely than the iconic Okanagan basin in southern B.C. One could be forgiven for assuming this valley was purpose-built for nautical fun, with a few delightful perks thrown in to make the area entirely irresistible (wine-tasting, anyone?).

Read More

Lifestyle