what size steering cable

[aggiestckl]

Anyone know what size steering cable is needed for a 83 predictor with a 90hp evinrude?

 

[groucho]

You need to measure your boat's steering set-up. Start at the center of the helm ( steering wheel) and then go out to the edge of the gunnel where the cable will make it's 90 degree turn towards the back of the boat. Take that distance and add it to the distance from where it makes the turn to where it makes it's next turn towards the motor back at the transom. Then add the distance from that 2nd turn to the distance to the very center of the motor where the cable bolts on the steering pin. Add measurments A plus B plus C to get your cable length. Whatever you get ( Say 12' 4") round up to a 13' cable. You can allow for some slack but you can't do anything if it's too short.

Also find out what kind of system you have ( brand, Teleflex, RideGuide, Morse, ) and style ( rack or rotary). I'm not sure what your's had at the factory and it may have already been replaced. Odds are good it's the original. Somebody on this board will know what the factory was using in your boat. I don't.

If you need shift and throttle cables for your rig it's almost the same procedure. EXCEPT measure back from where the box is going to be mounted and after taking all your measurements add 2 feet. This allows for movement when the motor turns and tilts.

One other thing. If you are going to be adding a jackplate/setback at some point. Add an extra foot to the steering cable if it won't be a rigging issue. Then you won't have to change it when moving the engine back. Sometimes you don't have to change them but a little extra "give" makes it much simpler.

 

[kingsbiship]

Mine had Tele-flex single rack... changed it to dual rack when I upgraded the eng.

 

[groucho]

Good call on the dual cable point. Probably won't need it with a 90hp ( You won't) but if you're going to upgrade to a bigger motor and are changing steering now's the time to do it.