98 AN Cable Replacement -- Mechanic in Question

[zteg]

We have our 98 Air Nautique in the shop, and the mechanic is claiming he has to take the ballasts out to replace the cables.

Is this true?

I've heard taking the ballast out of a 98 AN is a HARD job, and I can't imagine all that is need to just replace the steering cables.

[Chexi]

We have our 98 Air Nautique in the shop, and the mechanic is claiming he has to take the ballasts out to replace the cables.

Is this true?

I've heard taking the ballast out of a 98 AN is a HARD job, and I can't imagine all that is need to just replace the steering cables.

I don't know if it is necessary, but taking the tanks out is a PITA. I just did mine a few weeks ago. Assuming you want to keep the tanks, he won't be able to cut them out, and as such, he will need to loosen or remove the 4 clamps holding in the gas tank (which is the PITA part) and push the tank forward as far as it will go. At that point, he will be able to take play with the ballast tanks and get them out. I was able to pull both mine out through the back, but I had to cut off the hoses. I could not get the hoses off the barbs. For me, that was not such a big deal, as I am replacing my hard tanks with fat sacs, but if your guy runs into the same problem, then you are also looking at possibly needing new hoses. I really hope for your sake that you do not need to remove the tanks.

[74green]

I replaced mine on my 2001 AN w/o pulling the ballast or gas tanks.

[WakeSlayer]

I do not own one, but have a hard time believing that either the ballast or the tank hang below the tops of the stringers. What else would cause you to have to remove them? I would think (especially a boat mechanic) that you could almost do it by feel. It is just a bolt connecting the cable to the tiller arm. The mounting block should be forward of tanks and such and easily accessed.

[74green]

It is just a bolt connecting the cable to the tiller arm. The mounting block should be forward of tanks and such and easily accessed.

It is under the tanks in my '01. But you can get to it if you have long arms.

[nms1991]

Yes it isa lot easier to remove the tanks to replace the cable but you canjust replace the cable with out removing either of teh ballast or fuel tank if your arms are 1" in diameter and 4 to 5 ft long.