2000 SAN steering cable replacement

[wakemiser]

I have a 2000 Super Air. Local shop wants ~$550 to replace the steering cable, indicating that most of cost is in the labor just getting access. With that price tag, thought I would look into doing it myself. I still have the factory hard tank ballast system, which is probably most of what's in the way. I've searched through all the threads and have found little snip-its and tid-bits on steering cable replacement, but would really like to find step by step instructions for this or similar model. Has anyone ever come across something like this or willing to write it down? Thanks.

[Agent banks]

I am also in this same position. It looks like it is going to be a pain in the ***!

[bchesley]

Its not that bad. Why it cost so much is it takes two hours to disassemble the boat interior, and then two hours to reassemble it. That is $3-400 of the labor. It really only takes about an hour and a half of unbolting and rebolting it in. I have changed one and its a half a day event and maybe a skinned knuckle. Do it your self and plan on a cleaning the bilge while you have it apart.

Brad

[Agent banks]

Sweet thanks for the info. I wish i knew a place where i could hace a step by step schematic

[Agent banks]

So it really wasnt that bad! The hardest part was the for bolts on the knuckle at the end of the cavle ! Thats just because your in a cramped position but other than that it was just time consuming! It is a major difference in handling ! Thanks

[TexasAg01]

Agent banks - Quick question as I'm looking at replacing the cable in my '00 SAN. Did you just pick up the cable or replace any of the other steering components? I have my interior in pieces right now and it would be a great time to replace this. Also, where did you pick up the cable? I saw skidim.com has it for $139. Thanks.

[Rick]

I just did my Ski which is a direct drive. It meant taking out the side bolster to remove the back seat, the back tray, and the gas tank. I then removed the drivers seat and front panel. You also have to take the breaker box off the panel. After all that I disconnected the cable at both ends. I tied a strong line to the rudder end and pulled the old cable out. Since I had it all apart I made sure the rudder packing was good by taking it to a nearby lake to dip it in. I then found that my muffler had worn a hole in the underside from the neoprene pad being pulled out by the previous owner when it came loose. I epoxy patched it with 2 layers of cloth ans bought neoprene to replace the missing pad.Putting the new cable in is much easier with 2 people. You want 1 to take slack out of the line you have tied to the new cable. Then with them putting slight tension on the line feed the new cable in. Then repeat the reassembly.. I realize with a V drive the motor will still be in the way but you still should have access. Good luck

[jimmyj]

texasag01,

not sure what the difference is really, but i opted for the teleflex extreme cable - 179 from skidim. smoothest my 01 super sport has ever been. its like a brand new boat.

steering cable is easy. we took interior apart, pulled old one out and slapped new one in. no strings, attaching to end, etc etc. just remove and replace. super easy. besides removing the interior, it honestly took about 20 minutes.

[jwhposon]

I am puzzled on how this is so easy? I have a SAN 210 2004 and I have the interior and rear ballast tanks out. But the cable looks like it goes through tubes just below the wire cluster - did you cut the old cable to pull the new one through? I wanted to feed the new one from front to back, but in order to do that you need to cut the old cable because the black bar will not slide under the floor. I am in the middle of this currently and would appreciate any suggestions. I have the entire interior out of the boat and old cable is seized up. Any help is appreciated.

[TexasAg01]

I would suggest unbolting the cable from the rudder and then pulling it out through the front. Make sure you've removed any wire ties which will allow the cable to slide easier.

[MrShelley]

Wait, you have to remove the gas tank and ballast tanks to install a new cable? Aw man, I was hoping to tackle this next weekend on my 2005 SANTE.

[hyparks]

Said this on another steering topic. I did mine on my 01 san without removing either. It was tight but managed it. I sat in the starboard compartment on top of the ballast tank and was just able to reach the rudder connection. My mates 04 he cut the cable to get it out and fed the new one over the top of the gas tank. I did mine in 1.5hrs on my own. Just need lots of patience and perserverence ( if that's how you spell it)

[MrShelley]

I guess I'll give it a try. Maybe I should take pictures along the way and document the process....

[Chexi]

Just take out the tanks (for good) and replace them with bags. It makes so many maintenance items way easier.

[MrShelley]

You're not the first person to suggest that, but I'm concerned about the effect on resale value. But then again, I'll probably have this boat for quite a while. Decisions, decisions...