TOPIC: Cable steering

I don't have a lot of faith in the old cable steering, especially with the twins.
Looking for some advise on upgrading to a more modern system.
I want to keep the original wheel.
Thanks
Bill

I have cable/pulley steering on my '57 Thompson 16'-7" Sea Lancer with twin 35 HP Johnsons.

NO problem whatsoever.

Andreas

I don't blame you Bill. The big Span America I got my Merc 1000 off of had cable steering. Not me!

I don't see any reason why you couldn't upgrade. Have you picked a system yet? Someone like Joe Poole would probably be able to help, depending on what you have for a steering wheel.

Best of luck!

Frank

Have you picked a system yet?

No, that's what I'm looking for advise for
Thanks
Bill

Bill,
I see absolutely no reason to change those beauties from pulley and cable. Just make sure that each pulley in the system is bolted, not screwed and it will work great. Would seem a shame to me to screw up that beautiful set up with a more modern system. Just my opinion. Mike

You can use cable over pulley or push pull cable steering.
If you have a quality system aboard, it will work if it is setup with care.
Racers still use cable/pulley steering. There's a great article on it by Max over at www.duckworksmagazine.com
Here's a pic of my 1956 Skagit 20 doing over 45mph with a Mercury XR2 150hp V6 with cable steering.
It is usually quicker ratio, I Loved the steering in that boat.
If you want to go with modern steering let me know I can set you up with a brand new Uflex system or even Kobelt hydraulic if you want the best. I'm in Congo western Africa now on a job back about 31JUL.

Thanks for the reply's guys, I think I'll revisit the cable system
Cheers
Bill

I should also add, the same boat that now has the twin Johnsons from 1967 until 2006 or so had a 1967 Mercury 1100 (110 HP) outboard with the cable/pulley steering system. No problems all those years.

Andreas

I hope this not hijacking.
Does any one know if different states have laws on the maximum hp that you can use with cable stearing? I was told the other day, by a not too reliable source, that Illinois has such a law.
old darb