V21 Steering Cable Broke - Near Disaster!

[Blue_Runner]

Well, it was Stinky Hooker worst nightmare revisited. Headed down the lake, boat full of people and kids and the steering cable gave way! I noticed some tension on the cable as I went to turn and heard a loud "pop" then the wheel just took a hard right....about 27 mph and less than 100 yds from shoreline....thank God it did the hard right or we'd have been toast. I barely had enough time to pull it back let alone think of putting it in reverse, which didn't even enter my mind ::)

So, what steering cable length do I need for my V-21? I'm thinking 18ft? Where are the other V-21 people when I need them? ;D

[Blue_Runner]

I'm here at work and haven't even raised the cowl on the motor in a while. Does anyone know if the 2004 Yamaha 150 2-stroke would have a lifting ring on top under the hood? If I go back with a standard NFT system I'll probably have to lift the motor....fun fun. ::)

[macojoe]

My first boat was the old cable and pully steering, I was going down the cape cod canale and the steering let go!

Had to have my friend bear hug the motor to keep us stright to get 3 miles to the ramp, Man that sucks!!

I can tell you all Yamahas I have seen all have the lift ring so you should be fine.

Cable leanth ??

[Blue_Runner]

The bad part is I'm taking off Friday from work and supposed to leave bright and early for the beach. This sucks!

[Skools Out]

BR rip out that old one fast it has the length on the cable my V20 and my 21 both use 15 ft cables. When you pull it out tape a nice strong rope on the cable that way you can use the rope to pull the new one back in faster and easier.

[Blue_Runner]

That would be nice if it does have it stamped. *I'll check. Thanks for the tips! We are all lucky to be alive.

[Stillrunning]

Did the cable give any signs prior like stiff turning before it busted?

[Blue_Runner]

I had noticed when turned fully in one direction it would stick a little bit - hardly noticeable.

Also, NFB had begun giving me feeback from the motor going on a year now. :-/

Steering cable was 2 years old and installed by the previous owner.

[Airslot]

Reading your description of the events...are you sure the cable broke and not the helm? It sounds like maybe the helm let go? Jus wonderin?

[Stillrunning]

Reading your description of the events...are you sure the cable broke and not the helm? *It sounds like maybe the helm let go? *Jus wonderin?
Yea, I was thinking the same way and with it only 2 years old it should not broken.

[Stinky_Hooker]

1st off, thank God yall are ok. At least it was in a bigger boat and everone stayed onboard, NOT like the smaller cc we were in. :(


Im with them on checking the helm. Im thinkin helm because you say the NFB had been giving you feedback for awhile. The cable does NOT have anything to do with feedback or not, the helm does. The cables are the same whether your system is standard rotary or NFB . It is the helm that is different.

Usually for a cable to break it will start getting tight and hang up all together first.


Either way its a quick fix once you get the part...10 munutes and you are boating again. 8)

[Blue_Runner]

The helm is only 2 years old as well. *What makes me think its the cable is the helm appears to be pulling the cable through fine. *

Please explain my 10 minute fix in detail cause I'm thinking along the lines of much worse - pull motor, new helm and cable etc.!!

THanks,
BLue

[Airslot]

Blue, couple questions, and you may have to go home early to get the answers, tell the boss we said it was OK to go home early, you know, boat bizniz. ::)

Can you turn the motor without the helm moving? Is it smooth?

If you remove the helm, you should be able to tell if the cable is in one piece or not. Not sure how yours is setup, but I'm guessing that to see if the cable is in one piece you have to pull the motor, or pull the helm. Just hoping we can help you find the easy way out. Who knows maybe you'll be lucky?

[Blue_Runner]

Slot, yes, motor can turn by hand smoothly. When I turn the helm, I can see the cable moving back and forth on the helm end, but of course nothing on the motor end.

I've got a buddy coming over and we will look at it this evening. If nothing else I'll get the cable length and be prepared to pick up a new NFB system tomorrow.

Then tomorrow evening I'll pick up the motor and switch them out. :P I hate boats!

[Blue_Runner]

Who knows maybe you'll be lucky?
You've forgotten who you are dealing with here! I never get lucky :'(

Thanks for the help though. I do appreciate it. ;)

[msbhammer]

Blue, wish i could help on the steering, but paid to have mine replaced. All I can say is that I'm glad everyone is ok. ;)

[tsubaki]

Blue, I'm not to the point of replacing my steering yet but am anticipating having to do so before first splashdown. Look at this, personally I would change all, helm, cable, etc. The unknown is worst than death. The price isn't too bad.
http://www.boatersworld.com/product/358501658msk.htm
Not having physically looked at this I don't know if it's correct or not. Please post if it will work.

[rb437]

I hate boats!

I feel your frustration. You'll get it fixed and will be enjoying your boat again real soon. Thankfully everyone is OK and it's only the boat that's broke.

[lumberslinger178]

good lord was watchin ya blue glad everyone is ok ;)

[MIKETTURBO]

go hydrulic, i like mine. no feedback.

[Skools Out]

cheapest fix take to coast pay up the insurance and pull the plug and sink her lol.

[Airslot]

LOL, too risky Skools, much better to let Hammer power load it, then it sinks anyway ;D

[reelapeelin]

In the 1st place , you one LUCKY DAWG an' don't you fergit it...glad nobody got hurt...bet the ol' sphincter tightened a might on ya ;) ...

I keep thinkin' w/the extended transom, you NOT gonna have to liff motor...hope not, anyway...see iffn it'll go B4 ya liff-up on it ;) ...

[Blue_Runner]

Well, RAP was right, we got the steering cable out without lifting the motor. It had broken inside the helm. I got some pics for ya'll.

Tsubi, yes that is exactly what I'm replacing it with. One thing I don't know is how they measure the cable. I left mine in so I could pull the new one through but got a rough measurement. Well, from the fitting that goes inside the helm unit to the end of the steering ram she was 18'. So do they measure these things like that or is it from the helm fitting to the outboard nut?

Also in your link the dropdown shows 16' and 18'...although just the other day seems like someone said they replaced their steering cable and it was 17' on the V20??

Pics in a few...gotta work just a lil bit first. ;)

[Airslot]

Blue, now see, you did get lucky. Everybody is safe and sound, no harm done, and the repair is easier than you thought. What more could ya want. Now get er done and git back after them feesh ;D

[Franco]

It broke from all that additional drag from the enclosure

[Blue_Runner]

I was thinking due to additional heavy weights sitting on the bench seat. And the rough azz water I been in striper feeshun ;D

Now, will I be able to find the correct length helm? Getting ready to call around.

I'll report back..

[macojoe]

Scroll to bottom of this link to see how to measure NFB sterring.

http://www.iboats.com/Teleflex_Nfb_No_Feedback_Rack_Single_Cable_Steerin g_System_Package/dm/keywords.engine%20rigging%3Ecable--view_id.40295

"Measure Twice. Order Once."

Measure cable routing path from wheel center to engine connection, as follows:
*
A = Center line of wheel to gunwale (or deck, if routed downward),

B = Dash to Transom,

C = Gunwale to centerline of cable connection at centered tiller.

For Cable Installations through Engine Tilt Tube:
Add A, B and C +6", then round up to the next foot. Order that lenth
cable.

[Blue_Runner]

Ok, called 3 different places and 3 different prices ::)

1st - $343 close to work
2nd - $335 further than any
3rd - $300 close to home - this is the one I chose.

eBay - $215 :'(

Gotta have it in a day or two max...no time for eBay where I could save a load of $$.

They will try to have it tomorrow. I hope 17' fits!

[Bygracealone]

BR, sorry I didn't read this thread sooner. Thank the Lord you're all okay.

Hey, $170 at Boatstore USA. This is where I bought mine. I know you have time restraints. Maybe pay extra for expedited shipping?


http://www.boatstoreusa.com/productdetail.asp?urll=SS-147_Teleflex_No_Feedback_steering_system_&ProductI D=173

[Blue_Runner]

Ok, pix pix pix...

My friend Chad came over and showed his skills. We got the steering wheel off. It was a good thing 2 of us were pulling on it because it didn't come off really easy. Plus due to the black plastic collar my gear puller wouldn't fit under the steering wheel base so no help there.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/stinkery/0521071927.jpg

Wheel and plastic collar off:

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/stinkery/0521071927a.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/stinkery/0521071931.jpg

Got the helm unit out, now to the back of the boat. Taking this ss plate off sure did help make room to get this cable out!

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/stinkery/0521071940.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/stinkery/0521071943.jpg

In the middle of it all, my friend Joey stopped by. He just got back from a trip offshore on a 26' sea hunt CC. They caught 19 mahi and lost 10. Biggest fish was 27 lbs! He brought me a nice bag of meat.....(next time take me take me with ya punk ::))

Here's Joey undoing the steering arm so we can pull the cable out of the engine sleeve.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/stinkery/0521071948.jpg

Broken cable end was inside the helm unit. Pretty gnarly!

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/stinkery/0521072020.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/stinkery/0521072020a.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/stinkery/0521072020b.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/stinkery/0521072020c.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/stinkery/0521072021a.jpg
I left it in there. When I get the new system I will hacksaw the steering tube ram off the back, tape the end of the new to the end of the old, insert the ram in the steering tube on the motor, and feed the cable up to the front of the boat by pulling the old cable. Make sense? I think this is what Skools and company were getting at with the advice right?

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/stinkery/0521072021.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/stinkery/0521072022.jpg

As you can see, only about 2' of cable broke off.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d73/stinkery/0521072023.jpg

[willy]

A lot of work Blue, but you will Know it is right, thats a good thing ;)

[Blue_Runner]

Awe it wasn't too bad (yet) Willy. I needed to be getting ready for the trip this weekend rather than working on steering but hey, it could have been worse.

They are supposed to get that 17' cable in tomorrow. We'll see if 1) they get it in and 2) if it will fit. If no on either of these, Blue Runner will likely be staying in my driveway for the weekend :'(

[macojoe]

$229 at Boaters world

http://www.boatersworld.com/product/358501518msk.htm

[Blue_Runner]

Thanks MJ but I'm using the rotary type. I wish I had time to shop around but it looks like I'll be lucky to get it in 2 days or less from aywhere.

Keep your fingers crossed for me.

[Bygracealone]

BR, sorry I didn't read this thread sooner. Thank the Lord you're all okay.

Hey, $170 at Boatstore USA. This is where I bought mine. I know you have time restraints. Maybe pay extra for expedited shipping?


http://www.boatstoreusa.com/productdetail.asp?urll=SS-147_Teleflex_No_Feedback_steering_system_&ProductI D=173

[Blue_Runner]

BGA, I must have been putting together my picture post when you posted that :-/

Thanks a million for trying to help out but I guess I'll stick to the local guy that promises 2 days or less. Let's hope his promises hold up.

Can you believe the markup b/t the internet and the store?! Somebody needs to be arrested cause its highway robbery! Willy hammer randle?? where are ya?

[Bygracealone]

BR,

I figured that, that's why I thought I'd repost it (also for the sake of others so that they might know where to buy these kits for a good price).

Anyway, I pray that everything comes together for you before the weekend.

I wish I were closer to help you out.

[randlemanboater]

Hey BR, glad no one was hurt.

Which beach you headed to? I will be @ Holden Friday - Monday if you are going to that area.

As for boatshop pricing, the shop here in town has high marked prices but they will wheel and deal. Never hurts to ask.

[msbhammer]

Looking good Blue, your almost done. You will be ready for the weekend for sure. ;)

[Skools Out]

um good luck i'd pulled it first to be sure of length, mine has twin 15' cables. boatfix has them for $87.00 and $92.00

[reelapeelin]

Good work, DAWG!!...hope yer new cable comes in on time...are you replacin' the helm too?...seems somethin' could be wrong, it only lastin' two years B4 snappin' like that??...any ideas??...



Welp!!...went back an' did some catchin' up ...answered my own question...good choice on the NFB 4.2 ... mine's been great for several years now ;) ...

[Blue_Runner]

RB - we're dragging the boat down to Hatteras for a few days - leaving Friday morning and returning on Monday.

Yep, replacing everything since the issue seemed to be more than just a broke cable (alluding to the feedback issue).

Skools I know - I should have pulled it but trying to be lazy. ::)

[reelapeelin]

RB - we're dragging the boat down to Hatteras for a few days - leaving Friday morning and returning on Monday.




Told ya'll he was DAWG!!... ;D ;D ...catchum up, Dawg ;) ... I know ya'll gonna be LARGE and IN CHARGE!! 8) ... an' yer gonna bringing back some fine examples of coastal photography to share witcho compadres ;) ...

[Blue_Runner]

I hope so RAP, I really really do. :-/ I've got the pre-trip jitters. Boat is on blocks in the driveway, steering is a mess and still gotta pack and ready the fishing equipment....


Oh brother where art thou!?!

[reelapeelin]

I hope so RAP, I really really do. :-/ I've got the pre-trip jitters. Boat is on blocks in the driveway, steering is a mess and still gotta pack and ready the fishing equipment....


Oh brother where art thou!?!



Pre-Trip Jitters?...mix up a batch of Valium-Martinis, Brother...sip slowly over long periods
, for instance while waiting on Fed Ex to bring yo freakin' steerin' cable and pretty soon the jitters will cease and where thou art won't matter...not even to Art ;D ...

[Skools Out]

BR look at the bright side if you hadn't gone to the lake your cable would have broke in the ocean while on your trip.

[C YENSEN]

dam BR, been away for a few days, sounds like you had a close one. glad everyone was ok :-/

[Blue_Runner]

True Reel and Skools...

Cy yes, it has been a fun couple of days :-/ I'm so glad the boat didn't plow into that seawall we were headed for! That would have been really really bad.

Everyone in the boat, and a boat passing by, thought I was a crazy person driving the boat because the way it swerved so quickly toward the seawall. :o

[Blue_Runner]

Ok, just got off the phone with D & E Marine. The steering cable came in ;D

Now just say a lil prayer for me that it will fit. :-/

[Stinky_Hooker]

Good luck man!! Im pullin for ya!! 8)

[Blue_Runner]

Ok, its fixed. *But not without alot of work. *Read on...

I get off work a little early yesterday to make it to D&E Marine by 5pm to pick up my new system. *On the positive side, it was $285, not $300 before tax so I got out after tax for $304 - still got screwed, but what the he!!

Anyway, I get home and first thing I go and check my measurement again on the existing cable which I purposely left installed in order to pull the new one through with (so I wouldn't have to remove starboard rod box). * My measurements were right, the exact numbers I gave to the guy that owns D&E who's been in the boating business for 25 years *::). * 18' end to end and 17' from the brass fitting on the helm side to the nut that screws into the motor. *All good. *

So I pull the new one out, lay it on the ground, pull a tape and my heart sank. *One foot too short or so it seemed! *In a rush of judgement I pondered pounding my fists into the pine tree to my left...No, no just calm down a little and punch something softer, I said.
So I lit in to cussin instead and yanked the old cable out of the boat to get the numbers off it. *;D

I called the guy up, its a quarter til 5pm (closing) and politely explain the situation. *I did insinuate that he was somewhat to blame although I should have pulled the cable *to get the number off the side too. *He says he can't do anything until Friday at lunch time. *No good since I'm leaving Friday morning at 0500! *I say I'll be there in 15 minutes and I want my money back. *He ain't too hip with that idea but finally agrees. *When I get there we talked for a while and I told him I didn't have a beef with him but I was just bummed since me and 3 friends wouldn't be able to make it to the coast on time. * He called around and at one point I was gonna have to drive to Charlotte (45 min.) this morning and then he lucked up and found one about 1/2 hour away. *One of the workers drvives past D&E on her way home so she dropped it off for me. *I got it at around 6:30 pm and we had it installed by 8 pm. *

Not totally, but its 99% fixed. *The only thing left is that metal piece that holds the rubber ball around the cable where it comes out of the hulll back at the motor. *I noticed when I pulled the old cable it was chafing and had actually cut into the cable shroud enough to concern me. * My buddy Snead works in a shop that makes Nascar parts so he took it into work this morning to trim some off so that it won't rub the cable anymore.

I'll have her done this evening. *I'm so thankful to have this behind me....THANK GUYS FOR ALL OF THE MORAL SUPPORT AND HELP!!

V-21's USE 18FT CABLE WITH THE NFB 4.2 SYSTEM!!
DON'T FORGET IT! MJ you might want to move this over to repairs....

[Bygracealone]

I guess that settles it--18 feet it is for all of us. I went through three rounds before I ended up with the 18 foot cable. So, two rounds isn't bad at all ;D

Glad everything worked out for you BR. Now, put it behind you and fix your thoughts on catchin' some feesh. ;)

[Stinky_Hooker]

Glad you got it right...now like BGA said, GO FEESH!!! ;D

[Blue_Runner]

BGA - I wouldn't say that for sure. I remember a recent V20-er that just put a 17' cable in theirs. Remember the V21 has an extra foot of built in fiberglass "bracket" if you wanna call it that. I think that accounts for the extra foot. I think most if not all regular V20's us a 17' cable but as I found out it is best to get the numbers off the cable ;)

[Bygracealone]

Ohhh, I missed the part that says V21 in huge letters...

duhh...

You're right, my bracket makes my V similar in length to the V21.

Good catch buddy. What are you doing thinking about boats? You're supposed to be thinking feesh man! ;D

[Blue_Runner]

So BGA was yours an 18' as well? I would have thought the bracketed V20 might even go 19'.

About thinking Feeesh, I'm getting there. Still got some work to do and packing but hey, at least I still get to go and drag my baby down with me ;)

[Bygracealone]

BR, yep, my turned out to be 18 feet as well. Originally, I ordered a 15. I measured it according to their instructions and that's what I came up with. Something was definitely wrong either in the formula used or the measurement taken (probably the latter :P).

Then, I sent it back and the guy at the shop thought a 16 would work and since he had it readily available, I went with it. No good, didn't fit. So, rather than go with a 17 which probably would've fit, I went overkill with an 18 foot which fits with a good amount of slack.

Anyway, I'm really happy that you'll be able to take your girl on the trip.

[Blue_Runner]

Cool BGA - I went through the same thing with my old V20 a couple of years ago. I should have known better than to let it happen again but I thought I was going to be ok since I gave the guy the correct measurments.

Around here there are nothing but a bunch of pontoon boats.....hence the shops only stock up to 16' cables, which sucks for us bigger boat guys :-/

[reelapeelin]

Hey DAWG!!...sounds like ya did a last-minute scramble and got it all together for the trip!!...good deal ... go ketchup a bunch o' FEESH and come back a DOUBLE-DAWG!!... 8) 8) ...

[macojoe]

Glad you are all set, My cable is 20' ;D cause of a 30" set back beacket

[76GMC1500]

Good luck putting the motor in reverse at speed with a dog clutch. Go for that ignition key. I had a wire pop off the ballast resistor while running close to 30mph once in my boat. You'd be amazed how fast the thing stopped.

[msbhammer]

Blue, glad to hear you are back in action. ;)

[Skools Out]

hammer did you notice he fixed his boat with our help and then left us at home without offering us a beach trip with him.

[reelapeelin]

hammer did you notice he fixed his boat with our help and then left us at home without offering us a beach trip with him.



Matter o' Fact, he's at OBX right now cruisin' up n' down the shore on striper patrol in that purdy lil' 21 w/ new steerin' cable ... I told ya he was DAWG!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ...

[Blue_Runner]

hammer did you notice he fixed his boat with our help and then left us at home without offering us a beach trip with him.
Skools, say when bro, say when...I'm itching to get back at it!

[Skools Out]

hey bro check out the 21 project from the weekend, glad you're back by the way I started the 225 on my 21 wow it made me wet all over it sounded go good.

[Blue_Runner]

Skools - wow man she is coming along. You've don a ton of work and it shows! That's great about the 225, you should have taken a video for us. I bet put off a nice rumble ;)

[msbhammer]

Hey Skool, Blue knows better to invite me. He knows when he's not looking, I'll be trying to steal his bench seat from him. ;D

[Blue_Runner]

I would give darn near anything to have a picture of Hammer in the gulfstream laying on my bench seat in some of Lisa's panties :o