New here!

[willy]

Don't know, but take pics I may be doing the same thing this spring, others here have done it and I believe you do have to unbolt and lift the engine

[inaforty]

Willy,
I'll try to take some pictures when I change the steering.

Should have know not to second guess my friend about the steering cable. He was born with a wrench in his hand and can fix anything. Good thing is I can always give him a ring if I get stuck along the way. :)

[chumbucket]

Yes, the motor needs to be pulled away from the transom in most cases in order to get the cable in without over stressing the bend.

[phatdaddy]

not sure about the 87, but i've changed the cable on my 83(150 mariner) without lifting the motor. i pull the rod box on the starboard side. this allows me to feed the cable from the middle to both ends. also the previous owner cut a oblong shaped hole in the splashwell to allow the steering rod to align with the tube on the motor...

i believe the correct length is 17' or 18', but your old cable has a number cut in the housing with the length of it.

[inaforty]

Thanks Phatdaddy,
I have the rod boxes out right now to refinish the rod holders and trim wood.
Can't hurt to give it a try.
Hopefully the weather will warm up a bit and not stay like it is now.
Brrrrrrrrrr

[reelapeelin]

Easy enough to measure...from center of gunwale to center of steering helm, then from center of gunwale to center of motor, then down the gunwale from helm to front of engine...add the three measurements and yer there...several years back I changed my old '74 and it took a 17' NFS and did not require an engine lift...but keep in mind the splashwells in yours and mine are quite different...good luck and don't forget the pics...