Steering Cable Tension

[Concerto]

During the survey of "Concerto In Sea" last April, my surveyor pointed out a little slack in the steering cables. He recommended tightening them a bit. My problem is that when I try to tighten the nut at the cable ends the cable starts to turn with it. This weekend I noticed the "play" in the wheel as we sailed in 20 knots with 2-3 foot seas on Long Island Sound. Otherwise, on calmer days I was not really aware of it.
How do I hold the cables stationary while I take up on each nut? I don't want to hold the protruding cable threads with anything that might damage them.
Once I figure this out, I can adjust the tension equally on both sides keeping the wheel true to the rudder.
I have no doubt that one of you out there has addressed this issue and solved it and I eagerly await your advice.
Thanks in advance,
Alan
Concerto In Sea #189

 

[Tom J]

A screwdriver through the eye of the tensioning bolt will keep it from turning. Would be a good idea to turn the steering wheel from stop to stop after each adjustment. It doesn't need to be too tight, just enough to take out the play. It's important to use two wrenches when tightening up the locknuts, one on the adjusting nut and the other on the lock nut.

 

[Long Story]

I need to find the photos of the stops some of you have on your system again. I checked and I have no little cable or stop block as on my other Catalina's in the past. It is an issue because you can turn to far over in reverse and the rudder does nothing, come back of the stop (which on my boat is the rudder hitting the hull) and wow you have steering in reverse.

Need enough detail to manufacture a cable and attachment point on my boat. Thanks in advance.

Russ