Q: What is the best steering cable available for my '06 206?

[AirTool]

Hey guys,...yes I've been quiet for awhile. Too many things going on.

But I've nursed my factory steering cable through it's last season. I think I can get a trip or two out of it this year,...and maybe the entire season LoL. But it would be much more enjoyable with the new cable.

I've read this (grease-less) cable design/material has improved since the factory version. Below is a link from the NautiqueParts.com site. But I remember someone else suggesting another brand. Can anyone confirm the best cable available right now?....or confirm this new one from NautiqueParts is above and beyond? The site pic states that it is new and improved....but aren't all products these days?

http://www.nautiqueparts.com/steerin...1998tonow.aspx

[NautiqueJeff]

I just installed that cable in my 1998 at the end of last season. It is super smooth now, but I have no idea how well it will hold up. So far, so good though.

http://www.planetnautique.com/vb5/fo...8-ski-nautique

[keithh2oskier]

Just installed the cable industry on my 02 196 last weekend. Super smooth on the trailer but don't have it on the water yet.

[2000superdare]

I installed that on my 00 air and got 3 seasons out of it, could probably get another but since i'm replacing carpet this year I am going to do it again. Then again my boat only sees salt water so may last longer for fresh.

[AirTool]

Thanks to all that replied. Can anyone note that the cable they got from White Lake is obviously Teleflex or not? I'm thinking there are only two obvious choices: Teleflex,...and whatever White Lake provides from CC....which is likely made by Teleflex but I don't know.

Also, did anyone by default replace the helm or any parts thereof? or rudder?....or just start with the cable?

postscript: it is kind of strange to see something from Jeff with "my 1998" in it LoL.

I just installed that cable in my 1998 at the end of last season.
....

[swc5150]

Teleflex is now Seastar, FWIW.

[2000superdare]

No other parts should need replacing but you could drop the rudder clean and grease it.

[AirTool]

No other parts should need replacing but you could drop the rudder clean and grease it.

Over the years I've done a great job of keeping that rudder shaft greased. But I might do that if it is less than perfect when I put the cable. I've got some other more pressing items though.

[ski4evr]

Tool, I used the cable from White Lake, and it was a Teleflex. Had to use two hands to drive, and went to one finger with just the cable change. Just take time to make sure each component is centered, and you will be all good!

[AC*]

I just ordered this cable from NP and installed it today on my 99 Air. Swc5150 is correct, it's a Seastar. I also dropped the rudder, cleaned up the rudder arm and packing nut. Tomorrow, I'll repack the nut, grease the rudder shaft and attach the cable. And finally, begin reassembling the rear of the boat.
Once you unhook the steering cable from the rudder arm, move the rudder manually and to see if it's difficult to move. This will let you know if you need to drop the rudder.

[keithh2oskier]

I put a brand new cable that I ordered from NP. It improved the steering significantly but I still thought it wasn't as smooth as I would have expected. I went to drop the rudder on Saturday and was expecting it to just fall out after I undid the bolts. I had to move it back and forth to get it out and the grease was all tried up. We cleaned it up, through on some new Marine grease and got it all squared away. Now I just need to square up my steering wheel. Took it out yesterday and it drove super smooth.

[jmo]

Has anyone broken their steering cable? My boat only has like 300hrs but it is 10 years old, does it need to be swapped for a new one?