Question 5, Stiff Cable Steering On Older CAH's:

Hey Houseboaters --

It looks like Troob's steering cable from the helm to the transom has finally bit the dust. Did any of you who converted to hydraulic keep the old cable? At this stage of Troob's life (and mine), I'd just as soon replace the cable rather than convert. It seems it will have to be a special (expensive) order. So, I thought I'd check with some of you.

Or, you could try to convince me to go to the hydraulic.

I'm told there's a difference in the cables between "earlier" boats and "later" ones. Troob has a separate cable from the flybridge to the lower helm, with two rack assemblies hooked together behind the lower helm; and then the second cable from there to the transom. That's the bad one.

Any help? Good advice?

Thanks,

Dean

Dean Singer Finds the Answer to His Own Question

Most of the 40' CAH's had a Mercuriser "Ride Guide" cable steering system. Over the years, the system can get quite stiff. I recently found the cause of this problem, at least in my case.

My steering got so stiff, I felt I had to replace it. When I began to remove the transom end of the cable, I realized that I could push the entire cable end/cable guide rod assembly in and out relatively easily, but couldn't push the cable end THROUGH the guide rod. The hang-up was in the aluminum cable guide tube at the extreme transom end of the cable. I soaked it in penetrating oil overnight, and (with some effort) was able to slide the guide tube off the inner sleeve. The last three inches of the inner surface of the aluminum guide tube was corroded and had eventually "grabbed" the inner sleeve. I reamed it out and smoothed the inner sleeve AND ADDED A GREASE FITTING. I don't think the fitting on the end of the cable itself (which hides behind the locking sleeve) puts any grease that direction -- I think it all goes forward up the cable. I also fashioned a plastic end cover that somewhat protecrs the joint between the guide and inner rod. Might keep moisture out of there.

Here are the steps I took. If any of you with "old" CAH's with cable steering want avoid this problem, do this:

• Unhook the cable end from the rudder bar.
• Remove the two pivot bolts that hold the big round fitting in a sadddle mounted on the transom.
• Remove the plastic locking sleeve that hides the grease fitting on the end of the black portion of the cable (if there is one).
• Holding the aluminum cable guide tube, back off the cable attaching nut (with the grease fitting in it).
• Slide the cable guide tube (including the two big adjusting nuts and the "big round fitting" off the end of the cable. If your steering is stiff, this could be difficult; If your steering in nearly frozen, you'll probably need the penetrating oil procedure.
• Clean the inside of the cable guide tube (I used emery paper wrapped around a drill bit) and the inner sleeve.
• Install a grease fitting on the guide tube. I put mine about four inches from the end that goes toward the rudder bar. Be sure the fitting doesn't protrude inside the guide tube.
• Put 'er back together and smile. You just saved $2000 for a new hydraulic system.

The picture below shows the cable on an outdrive installation, but all the pertinent parts are shown.

Good luck; I hope I've helped someone.

Dean