survey, how old is your steering cable?
- Thread starter njlarry
- Start date
Mine are 4 seasons old. Had to replace the ones that were on the boat when I purchased in 2008 because they had stretched.
As far as I know, mine are 45 years old, and they still look ok. It's on my list to change them, and last year I changed out wire / rope halyards with all rope. Those weren't that old, and the wire is still fine, it's the rope tails that were worn. Planning to use the halyard wire for the steering cables. I'm the kind of guy who would make baggy wrinkle from old rope if I knew how to do that.
From my biking days, I remember the suggestion that when you buy a new motorcycle, get new cables and put them on- to make sure they fit when you have a breakdown in the middle of nowhere. To assume both your cables are the same, if you're really concerned, maybe get one, change it out (so you know how to), then save the old as a backup.
But you're on the bay, so not that far from help or from the emergancy tiller- if you have one.
if the cable looks good at the inside of the termination eyes (where it wears on the eye bolt), it has no broken strands and isnt too tight, it should last a loooong time. a bit of chain/cable lube on it will only make it last longer.
if it clamps directly to the quadrant at the terminations, then there will be no eye to wear out.
a certain amount stretching is normal in new cable of the type used for the steering quadrant, but this will depend on how much stress its had over the years, which if its set up properly wont be much. and it can still be adjusted up a bit.
and also take into consideration that a lot of boats set at the dock most of their life... if yours was one of these the cable may be almost like new....
but if you do replace the cable, dont get it too tight... it has to have some slack in it to keep all wear to a minimum, but not quite enough to allow play in the wheel...
if it clamps directly to the quadrant at the terminations, then there will be no eye to wear out.
a certain amount stretching is normal in new cable of the type used for the steering quadrant, but this will depend on how much stress its had over the years, which if its set up properly wont be much. and it can still be adjusted up a bit.
and also take into consideration that a lot of boats set at the dock most of their life... if yours was one of these the cable may be almost like new....
but if you do replace the cable, dont get it too tight... it has to have some slack in it to keep all wear to a minimum, but not quite enough to allow play in the wheel...
Condition rather than age is the primary indicator. Inspect and lubricate. Having unlimited towing coverage takes away most of the anxiety related to the possibility of being stranded in the water by the components of an old sailboat.
Inspect the sheaves; those can wear as well. The cable steering on the Bavaria was slightly misaligned, putting pressure on the rim of one of the sheaves beneath the wheel, causing it to shed little metal filings (that's how I discovered it). Wire is fine; sheave has wear and should be replaced. I did, realign it, however.
if i am not mistaken in the edsen how to manual it says to tighten the cables to the point that you can't spin the bronze shives(the ones that turn the cables to the rear quadrant) and also to tighten them a little at time alternating back and forth between the two till you get the condition i described on the bronze shives .....
Tiller Vs Helm
I have an 1982 Newport 28II
I have never changed the steering cable.
The helm was an option or retrofit.
I can see the tiller head protruding through the deck.
Do they make a tiller that can go over the helm if its optional?
I guess you would remove the steering wheel and attach a tiller, I have never seen one???
Any Ideas about optional tillers for helmed equipped vessels?
It would take a lot more action to turn the steering cables and wheel with a tiller, I am not sure if it would be healthy for the steering cables.
Only to be used in an emergency if the cables broke?
Please respond if you have any suggestions?
I have an 1982 Newport 28II
I have never changed the steering cable.
The helm was an option or retrofit.
I can see the tiller head protruding through the deck.
Do they make a tiller that can go over the helm if its optional?
I guess you would remove the steering wheel and attach a tiller, I have never seen one???
Any Ideas about optional tillers for helmed equipped vessels?
It would take a lot more action to turn the steering cables and wheel with a tiller, I am not sure if it would be healthy for the steering cables.
Only to be used in an emergency if the cables broke?
Please respond if you have any suggestions?
This is something that I have wondered about. Mine appear to be quite old. Might be original on this 1978 Bombay Pilothouse 31. I have tightened them a bit but see enough reddish (rust) coloring in places to want to change. Original material appears to be 1/8" galvanized wire rather than SS. I am curious which I should use if I decide to replace? Thanks...