Mechanical Steering

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3rdone

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Anyone out there have a steering cable break while underway? Have a 204 Overnighter. Anyone know the length of the cable. I would like to have one in my hand when I replace the broken one.
 
3rdone said:
Anyone out there have a steering cable break while underway? Have a 204 Overnighter. Anyone know the length of the cable. I would like to have one in my hand when I replace the broken one.
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You will usually notice issues, stiff steering or slop before an actual break. Breaks are rare, more often than not the cable binds.
The length of the cable is printed on the cable itself. If you are luck you may still be able read the printing. Note that changing it may not be all that simple. I am not familiar with your specific hull but in some cases, the motor has to be unbolted and either lifted or slip to one side to get enough space to remove and install the cable.
 
I replaced the steering and control cables on my old 204C many years ago. I don't recall needing to unbolt the engine. It wasn't too hard of a job. The transom mounting bracket should also be replaced. As I recall, the length was 18' for the steering cable and 22' for the control cable. But my near perfect memory isn't what it used to be, so either try to read the length on your old cable or give Grady a call.

This might be a good time to upgrade the steering to a modern no feedback system or hydraulic.
 
Doc Stressor said:
I replaced the steering and control cables on my old 204C many years ago. I don't recall needing to unbolt the engine. It wasn't too hard of a job. The transom mounting bracket should also be replaced. As I recall, the length was 18' for the steering cable and 22' for the control cable. But my near perfect memory isn't what it used to be, so either try to read the length on your old cable or give Grady a call.

This might be a good time to upgrade the steering to a modern no feedback system or hydraulic.
Click to expand...

Whether or not the motor needs to be moved depends on how much wiggle room there is with the cable, particularly in the starboard locker where the cable makes a turn from the rigging tube to the transom well.
If tight, sometimes with the help of another person, the cable can be disconnected at the steering box as well as the motor and pulled out towards the helm while someone is forcing the cable into the rigging tube. Tie a drag line on the end so that you have something to pull the new cable with.
 
Thanks Doc. 18ft perfect. Moved the rubber grommet around the cables coming thru the starboard well and the ram went right into the Johnson bracket. :bang
 
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