steering cable

[johnboyy7]

mine is a bit stiff. is there anything i can do to loosen it, other than replace?

[JayG80]

Sometimes greasing the rudder will help. You can disconnect the cable from the rudder and see if the steering is still tight. If that doesn't help then replace the cable.

When I finish using the boat, I always turn the steering wheel all the way to the right so less of the cable is exposed to the air.

[LakeRats]

Try greasing steering components, but will probably have to replace cable. You may be surprised at how stiff it has actually become compared to new cable

[s_kelley2000]

Was it the first time out for the season and/or was the weather cold? Both of those can lead to the steering feeling stiff and it may loosen up a little. Try turning lock to lock a few times before you get moving and see if that loosens things up at all. If it is still the original cable from 04 then it likely will need to be replaced sooner rather than later but it may free up some for you once it warms up and gets a little more use.

[johnboyy7]

its for sure stiffer than a new one. it takes both hands when under power. its considerably easier when sitting still.

[jbach]

you need a new cable. mine was doing the exact same thing the end of last season. i have a new cable ready to go in this spring, if it ever gets here.

[ski4evr]

You won't believe the difference in a new cable. Mine got progressively worse without realizing it. finally it go to the point when under power it took two hands to turn. Now, a couple of fingers will suffice. feels like a different boat. Just wish I had replaced the hydro gate cable while in there. Starting the same thing.

[H20SNOB]

Is replacement a major job or can it be done fairly easily?

[jbach]

not too bad of a job. when pulling the old cable from the helm, tie a rope to the rudder end, then tie rope to new cable and pull back through. it probably won't go without getting hung somewhere but it will help.