Steering shot -aftermkt replacement

[sven]

Having some trouble getting the old cable out from the engine. i loosened the port side nut and i'm assuming i now have to loosen the starboard (larger size) nut. Is this correct? Does it then slip out? Boat is a 1986, I'm hoping removing the motor is not required. one more question: what size cable for the v20s? I looked all over the cable and helm and cannot find the size....I was assuming 17' or 18'

Thanks....if i didnt have this website, I wouldnt be boating this season!

[inaforty]

Just did the unit on our boat. Check Defenders in CT. They have the 4.2 with the 17' cable for $199.

We had to remove the motor to get the cable out of the tube.

Not to bad of a job if you have a cherry picker or a tree limb that you could use.

[reelapeelin]

Originally Posted by sven

Having some trouble getting the old cable out from the engine. i loosened the port side nut and i'm assuming i now have to loosen the starboard (larger size) nut. Is this correct? Does it then slip out? Boat is a 1986, I'm hoping removing the motor is not required. one more question: what size cable for the v20s? I looked all over the cable and helm and cannot find the size....I was assuming 17' or 18'

Thanks....if i didnt have this website, I wouldnt be boating this season!

I didn't have to remove motor on my 74...hopefully someone will chime in here and say for sure on yours...

The Overton's page I posted a link to above has all you need to know about determining size needed for your boat..take a look and be sure before you order...

Take some pics of what yer doin if you can and post 'em up for us...

Well looks like inaforty answered your question about removing the motor...get a length of healthy chain and go over a limb or beam or something substantial...using the tongue jack on your trailer, let it all the way down...hook up the chain w/no slack in it and raise the tongue which will lower the transom, which will leave your motor hanging on the chain...that or rent or borrow a cherry-picker...

[RWilson2526]

yea Svence take some pics....my steering seems pretty stiff too and I can see a replacement in my future. And I have the same boat and motor so you're gonna be my go to guy some time.

[csvencer]

I just did mine less than a year ago. Had to pull the motor to get the steering rod out of the tilt tube, it was like an inch short and the angle wouldn't let it happen.

Not sure if you bought your parts yet but I found keenzo.com (random webpage, but legit) to have the cheapest cable and helm when I was shopping.

-Svence

[phatdaddy]

mine is an 83 and i did not have to remove engine. the only nut you have to remove is the one on the cable, big long and silver & the nut on the bottom of the drag link that goes through the end of the cable.

[willy]

I may be in the same boat this season, did you guys find a 17 or 18 foot cable was the ticket?
Mine is a 92

[inaforty]

The factory cable is a 16'. The smallest cable Defenders carried was 17' so that is what I used. I had to put a small dip in the cable under the gunnel were the cable hangs from some PVC that is fiberglassed under the gunnel to take up a bit of the extra length.

Here is a shot under the gunnel.


The motor hanging from the cherry picker.


From the other side.


I was happy to see no water intrusion.

[sven]

Just spoke to my marina (Irwins Red Bank, NJ) mechanic today and he's quoting me 3-4 hours labor (at 120 per hour). So I'm looking at almost a grand to fix when you throw in $200-250 for the part and the $200 fee they charge to pull the boat. I dont have a trailer so im kinda screwed. Thats why i was hoping i didnt have to pull the motor. If i didnt have to pull the damn motor I'd do the job myself. If i have my boat hauler pull it for me and block it that alone is pretty big expense in itself, so I might as well just let the marina mech do the job. This boat costing me too much! I'm still dealing with an overheat alarm so once i get the steering done who knows what.... [just did the water pump - pees fine so i think it may just be the stats which looked like crap - though they did open at 135 degrees on the stove when i tested which concerns me that it may be some other problem]. I wish I could afford a new boat and have a few years problem free! maybe one day.

[sven]

If I do it myself I will post some pics....i owe this site alot so I will give a little back....it may not be pretty and my mug is one ugly mug so bare with it....