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We spent 2 full days this weekend trying to replace the steering cable on our 1997 Sport Nautique / Air Nautique. It's the model with the built in ballast tanks. It was a bear getting to the rudder, but after disconnecting the fuel tank and ballast tanks, we were finally able to access it. Not easy. The BIG challenge where we are stuck is pulling out the old cable. The big silver knob gets stuck somewhere near the driver's seat. See picture A. The blue line shows the path of the cable and the red circled area is where we think it gets stuck. You'll see we even took out the driver's seat. Could there be a zip tie up there? I read that there's a zip tie near the helm. Since you can't reach in there, it makes it impossible to get the big silver knob past this area. Yes, we have tried pulling it and wiggling it from every angle for hours. The only way we can think to access it is by cutting a hole in the side of the ski locker. Hate to cut a hole, but is that the only way? If we have to cut a hole there, will it harm the boat? Hope you guys have ideas WITHOUT CUTTING HOLES!!
In picture B, you'll see a top down view looking into the engine compartment before everything goes under the deck to the left of the driver's seat. In that space, there is the steering cable, throttle cable, shift cable, 2 tubes for the heater and some wires. The yellow rope is attached to the old steering cable. Is that more than other boats have going in there? Is it just too much stuff? We don't think it's the main issue but throwing out ideas.
Picture C: when we pulled the end of the rudder out of the tube, it was difficult as the grease was very thick. One thought we had is maybe the old thick grease was making it difficult to turn. After being stuck for hours, we decided to try reconnecting the current steering cable. We cleaned all the old grease out of the tube and applied "E.P. Anti Seize Engine Assembly Lube with Molly & Graphite". The new grease was a bit easier to turn the steering wheel but not much. Are we using the right stuff? Is there a more slippery lube we should use? Perhaps we can skip this whole hellaciouis changing of the cable if we used the right lube?!? Probably dreaming here.
I'd GREATLY appreciate all your thoughts and input. Feel free to call me on my cell: 805-558-4441. Jim Thanks!!
In picture B, you'll see a top down view looking into the engine compartment before everything goes under the deck to the left of the driver's seat. In that space, there is the steering cable, throttle cable, shift cable, 2 tubes for the heater and some wires. The yellow rope is attached to the old steering cable. Is that more than other boats have going in there? Is it just too much stuff? We don't think it's the main issue but throwing out ideas.
Picture C: when we pulled the end of the rudder out of the tube, it was difficult as the grease was very thick. One thought we had is maybe the old thick grease was making it difficult to turn. After being stuck for hours, we decided to try reconnecting the current steering cable. We cleaned all the old grease out of the tube and applied "E.P. Anti Seize Engine Assembly Lube with Molly & Graphite". The new grease was a bit easier to turn the steering wheel but not much. Are we using the right stuff? Is there a more slippery lube we should use? Perhaps we can skip this whole hellaciouis changing of the cable if we used the right lube?!? Probably dreaming here.
I'd GREATLY appreciate all your thoughts and input. Feel free to call me on my cell: 805-558-4441. Jim Thanks!!
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