Steering Cable - 16' Angler

[tom&shan]

Quick question for the group - just got my boat last week - looking it over to make sure its ship shape - reviewing the C-Dory owners manual - and I noticed it states "Steering is the single most improtant system on the boat. ... Inspect cable for cracks or other damage. If any are found the cable must be replaced."
The steering cable where it comes through the transom and connects to the engine is rusted and showing through the red plastic covering - should I replace it ASAP - and does it require a "qualified marine mechanic" to do the work.
Thoughts ?

[Papillon]

In answer to your first question: Should you replace it....YEP...or go very slow in the mean time, and don't make any sudden hard turns.

And to your second question:

I believe you have the same steering helm and cable I have on my 1993 22 Angler. It is a Morse Control and it does not take a "qualified marine mechanic" but it does take someone who has done it before or has a high degree of mechanical appatude to do it without causing damage to the helm or the steering tube in the motor housing.

I would check around for a fellow boater who has some hands on experence, if you have not tackled such a job before. In the right hands, it should take about an hour or two to complete.

Good Luck.

[oldgrowth]

Tom - if you don't do this until late December, let me know. I will probably have a steering cable you can have, in excellent condition. Although on second thought mine may not work for you. I have the cruiser and you have the angler. I am not sure the cable is interchangeable.

[Papillon]

Dave,
According to the line drawings your cable would be about 2-3 foot short.

[Sam Walker]

Tom and Shan, just take it to Les at EQ. The education on stuff you do not know that you need to know is probably worth the cost. In any event, it will be done right.