Steering Cable lifespan?

[swc5150]

I'm about to sound uniformed, but is the sign of a bad cable as simple as sloppy steering? I guess we've never had a boat long enough to notice?

[Quinner]

Scott, typically it is when the wheel does not turn easily.

In my experience the newer cables do not last as long as the older ones did, never had one get "tight" until my 99'.

I try and turn my wheel crank to crank several times every couple weeks while it is in the garage over winter to keep it from rusting/tightening up.

[gride]

I'd contact PCM/crusader and ask where to buy and if you can use one on your boat. I'm sure its expensive or white lake

[mf01]

I talked to White Lake. They said the 93-97 cable lasts about 2-3 years. They said I can upgrade to the 98-on helm and get the heavier cable (which I purchased). It lasts about 5-6 years. It was cheaper to get the new helm and cable than buy the old cable.

[pdxCC]

93' Steering Cable recommendations

Great feedback on the cables! I have a 93' Ski Nauty that needs a new steering cable. Ski Dim has the "TFXTREME" Technology racks for ~$180 in the 19' and 20' lengths. Whitelake has what appears to the similar product but in a 19.5' foot length for $280.

Am I missing somthing here? I would assume to buy the 20' version from SkiDim and live with the extra 6" of cable length and save $100...?

Your thoughts and recommendarions would be appreciated!

Cheers!
Brett

[GC]

The 20' cable works fine but you will need the updated helm to use the TFX cable.

[ss396s]

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.

How do you lube the rudder port assy? Vdrive...