Steering Cable lifespan?

[mf01]

I bought my boat 3.5 years ago. About 2.5 years ago, I changed the steering cable. I just thought it was due then, since the boat was 13+ years old then. Now the steering cable is stiff again. I disconnected the rudder, lubed it, and it moves freely. I use the boat 3-4 times a month in the summer and once a month from October - February. The only other thing would be the helm. Do helms ever go bad?

How long do you get out of a typical cable? It's a pretty expensive item ($277). Does it need to be replaced this often (2.5 years)?

[teamseal]

Cable longevity.

I had to put a cable in my 09 at the end of the summer of 09!! Steering Cable longevitiy IMO depends on how the stars are lining up, in other words I dont think their is a set time limit. I have heard of owners with 20 year old boats and just now changing out their cables. on the other side I have heard of maybe two seasons out of one. A couple of years ago Teleflex came out with the Extreme series rack cable. I have been selling the Extreme cable for replacement in 98 and newer Nautiques. So far no complaints. I also just supplied a new Rack and pinion system for a 90 SN complete with an Extreme cable, it worked out very nice.
some of the things that can help with cable longevity, keep water out of the bilge, service and lube the rudder port assy. keep all moving parts in the system clean and dry and lubricated.

[mf01]

I saw the Helm replacement to convert to 98+ on white lake. I didn't see the Extreme cable. Do you sell them online? Or where can I get them?

[teamseal]

I saw the Helm replacement to convert to 98+ on white lake. I didn't see the Extreme cable. Do you sell them online? Or where can I get them?

PM sent.

[erkoehler]

I think the water in the bilges is really causing premature failure on a lot of cables. With fat sacs, etc. there is a lot more water getting in to bilges these days.

[ski4evr]

Is the "Extreme" Cable available for an '05 211? My cable is really stiff to move.

[horkn]

The steering cable is the original one on my 78 martinique. So 32 years for mine so far.

[snowboardcorey]

This is highly dependent on how much moisture is in the bilge and/or how much gets under the jacket. Pulling the plug from time to time to get the bilge dried out seems to really help with cable life.

[mf01]

Now I'm thinking it's random. I pull my plug every time out. I rarely have my boat out for more than a few hours, so the water doesn't sit long. Also, most of the water gets pumped out with the auto-bilge.

[snowboardcorey]

Maybe you got a bad one, in that somehow water permeated the jacket and corroded the cable inside prematurely.

[mf01]

I could have. I believe I got the Teleflex for the replacement. I found it on my statement for around $165 from White Lake.

Does anyone know which is better, Teleflex or OEM?

[shonuff]

I replaced mine this year. I re-routed the cable to keep it out of the bilge until it reaches the engine compartment. Hopefully this will extend the life of the steering cable.

[gride]

get the sealed cable they put on coastal editions.

[mf01]

Where can you get the sealed cable?

[h2oski]

Sorry, I can't tell you where to get a sealed steering cable, however, Teleflex (OEM?) has a newer design called TFXTREME that's getting some good feedback. You can find them here: http://www.skidim.com/default.asp

I have a 1999 Air and always turn the steering wheel all the way to the right when I put her away. This pulls the exposed end of the steering cable assembly back inside the sleeve to try and protect it as much as possible from any moisture in the bildge.

Good luck!