Boat Steering Cable

How to choose cable and length

Call Tech Support for Seastar Teleflex at 800-730-4082 or Uflex at (941) 351-2628

The cable part number and length can usually be found about 2 feet from one end of the cable, stamped into the plastic conduit (exterior jacket or casing). If you can’t locate/read it, proceed to step a:

 a. Is the cable you are replacing rotary?

Rotary is a spiral wrapped black core wire sticks out at helm end of cable. Rack and pinion cable has long metal housing with rack [flat] gear inside (under the dash).

Measure the cable’s plastic jacket (casing) in inches.If rotary, add 18”, and round up to the next foot. If rack & pinion, add 30” and round up to the next foot. Order that length cable.

b. Are you doing a first-time steering cable installation?

Measure Cable Routing Path in Boat as Follows:

A = Center line of wheel to gunwale (inches),
B = Dash to transom (inches),
C = Gunwale to cable connection at centered tiller (inches).

For Tilt Tube Mounting, add A, B & C + 6”, and round up to the next foot. Order that length cable. For Transom/Splashwell/Stringer Support Mounting, add A, B & C, then subtract 6” and round up to the next foot. Order that length cable.

Selection of Uflex mechanical steering system and cable length

• Speed, hull, horsepower, engine type,displacement and size are major factors in boat performance and handling characteristics. The above selection guide should be used as a general reference only.

• One of the major factors in selecting a steering system is proper cable length. Due to specific routing in each boat, these approximate lengths will vary. Final selection should be made with the assistance of a qualified technician.

• Ultraflex mechanical steering systems should not be used on boats equipped with engines that exceed the maximum horsepower rating of the boat.
 

APPLICATIONS	BOAT LENGTH	STEERING SYSTEM	Ultraflex hydraulic steering systems are recommended for boats that exceed 50 mph. Always follow engine manufacturer’s instructions
OUTBOARD	up to 30’ (9m)	T71FC - T81FC T73NRFC - T83NRFC T91 - T93ZT T101 - T103ZT G86 - G88NR G96 - G98NR
		Twin cable rotary steering systems
INBOARD	up to 35’ (10.5m)	T71FC - T81FC T73NRFC - T83NRFC T91 - T93ZT T101 - T103ZT G86 - G88NR G96 - G98NR
		Twin cable rotary steering systems
STERNDRIVE POWER ASSISTED		T91 - T101 T71FC - T81FC G86 - G96
		Twin cable rotary steering systems

 

NOTE: Sterndrive engines not equipped with power steering can create very high steering loads. Our hydraulic steering systems are recommended for these type of boats. For any further information please contact our Technical Service Department.

 

HOW TO MEASURE CABLE

		Add. A + B + C and subtract 10 cm (4”) for each 90° bend in the cable. For installation through the engine tilt tube, add 30,5 cm (1 ft) to the measure calculated above. To order in foot length, divide by 30,5 and round off to next whole foot.
Fig.1	Fig.2	Fig.3
TILT TUBE MOUNTING - Fig. 1 Example (dimensions in cm): A (50) + B (250) + C (80) = 380 - 20 for two 90° bends = 360 + 30,5 For a thru-tube installation 390,5 cm : 30,5 = 12,8 ft; round off to 13 fit	TRANSOM SUPPORT OR SPLASHWELL MOUNTING - Fig. 2-3 Example (dimensions in cm): A (50) + B (250) + C (80) = 380 - 20 for two 90° bends = 360: 30,5 = 11,8 ft; round off to 12 fF