What Would You Do?

[Ilmmct]

Esteemed members, I am in a bit of a quandary here, so I am curious what the collective brain-trust would do.

First off, I did not build and use the DIY steering cable luber in time to save my 2013 242 LS cables (boat used in salt-water exclusively). I am pretty sure my steering cables are shot, but after 5-seasons, I am happy to report they lasted this long, based on my vigilance with rinsing, saltaway and boeshield.

My steering exhibits all the signs reported on this forum. Rubbing, binding ... a good bit of energy to turn the wheel. I have full movement of the steering wheel ... just tough to turn.

So my question for the “collective”. Family is arriving tomorrow for the long weekend ...

WOULD YOU:

1-punt on all boating planned for this weekend and wait until the new cables arrive and the repair can be safely completed.

OR WOULD YOU:

2-do some small trips as planned (< 5 mile floats, docking on the beach etc.) and generally low speed putzing around looking at coastal shorelines.

Not to bias the results of your feedback. But I am leaning towards #2 above, which is not completely smart/safe, but I am a very conservative wrt speed and the routes planned are pretty tame. Also the steering, although “tight” is fully articulating the buckets and seems to be loosening up as I have done some heavy lubrication on the cable and related pinch points.

Your future replies and feedback is appreciated.

 

[PEARCE]

As long as you think the cables won't bind up completely while you're out using the boat then I'd say go with your #2 plan. Think of it as an upper body workout with a great view.

 

[Ilmmct]

@PEARCE thanks for your reply. “Bind up completely” ... hits the nail on the head ... that’s my fear.

 

[Julian]

My thought is that if they are moving full side to side that it is unlikely the cable will snap, and it wont get any worse during your trip. So I would definitely go #2

 

[Ilmmct]

@Julian my kids and family thank you ;-)

 

[BlkGS]

I would roll the dice. Maybe drop some extra lube in if you can. Maybe get a boat towing coverage just in case.

This is assuming that a replacement this week isnt possible. If you could do it by the end of saturday... thats probably what i woukd try to do.

 

[Ilmmct]

Thanks @BlkGS ... a repair before my company's arrival is not possible (tomorrow). I've put some penetrating oil and lube on to try to loosen this up overnight.

 

[Ilmmct]

I am finding some interesting pricing $122 (w/Prime shipping):

Amazon.com

This is probably the Seastar: SSC21917 or SBT: 27-3450L, per the very helpful Replacement Steering Cable FAQ:

https://jetboaters.net/threads/seastar-teleflex-steering-systems-and-cables.10706/

 

[swatski]

Absolutely, positively go option number 2. As long as you are able to move the steering without it requiring some ridiculous effort, the cable are very unlikely to suddenly seize or snap.
IMO of course, but there is no question I would enjoy the weekend and do the cables when you have few days at your disposal.

And just out of abundance of caution, there is a thread by @Bruce somewhere discussing emergency steering handling in a case of a broken steering cable, I'll try to look for it, there are some good tips, just in case.
(no, they do not involve a paddle, or a swim to the shore, lol)

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[swatski]

Found it!

https://jetboaters.net/threads/steering-after-a-steering-cable-failure-twin-engined-yamahas.10707/

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[Seadeals]

#2; but your caution is a noble trait. I see a “pass through” socket in your future.

 

[bronze_10]

#2. But I would lube the hell outta the cables that are on it. Lube both ends.. te water side and the side begins the steering wheel. Lube , turn wheel, repeat! It will likely loosen up for a short time but enough to get your weekend done!

 

[Ilmmct]

@swatski @Seadeals @bronze_10 thanks for your input, my weekend plans are shaping up. Putting a paddle on the boat and investigating “pass through” socket pricing next. Will report back soon.

 

[Beachbummer]

No way I would stay. Cables Friday or Monday. The rusting process is long and slow. If the steering wheel turns end to end without undue effort (no binding just a little more muscle required) I would definitely not lose a boating weekend over it. I have snapped a cable before, it was a reverse/gate control cable. There was a LOT of force involved. No way the steering cable snaps while it functions reasonably well, even with some effort.

It's ultimately up to you of course, but I would absolutely not skip the weekend for it.

Edit: I mean a gate control cable, that's what I snapped before.

 

[Gym]

I would go with #2. Your cables won't seize up in the water as the water acts as a lubricant. They will seize while not in use for several days on the trailer if you don't exercise them daily. If you can drip some lubricant down the cables from behind the helm or force some up the cables from the stern end it will make your holiday weekend much more enjoyable. Have fun, be safe.

 

[Bruce]

I would go.

I also would lubricate the ends of the cables before going to see if it makes any difference.

Change the shift cables when you change the steering cables. Then she will feel like a new boat!

 

[Ilmmct]

Thanks @Beachbummer, @Gym and @Bruce ... headed to Walmart and Homedepot for the tools needed for a stop-gap DIY Cable Luber lubrication attempt this morning and for the "pass through" socket for the post boating weekend cable(s) replacement. After the Tribal Console has spoken, my boating weekend is back on! Also validated that my SeaTow membership is active ...

 

[Ilmmct]

All here is what the steering looks like behind the helm. Loosened up some and moving lock to lock. Any sounds or movement concerns from your perspectives?

 

[Gym]

Make sure you count the number of turns it takes to remove each nut from the end of each steering cable. WRITE IT DOWN. Replace the nuts on each cable with the correct number of turns. This will insure your nozzles will be in the correct position when done.

 

[Bruce]

All here is what the steering looks like behind the helm. Loosened up some and moving lock to lock. Any sounds or movement concerns from your perspectives?

Did you intend to post a video? I do not see it.