Andrew Pace
Boat steering cables are the main actuation force in push-pull steering for boats. They move the engine or rudder when the wheel is turned. The steering cable should be of proper length and without excessive or tight bends to provide the operator with effortless handling at all speeds, increase system efficiency, and reduce excess wheel and cable play. To ensure the steering cables work smoothly, it is important to regularly inspect them and periodically clean and lubricate grease cable fittings and supports.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How it works | The cables are the main actuation force in push-pull steering for boats that moves your engine or rudder when the wheel is turned. |
| Cable length | A steering cable of proper length and without excessive or tight bends provides the operator with effortless handling at all speeds, increases system efficiency, and reduces excess wheel and cable play. |
| Cable type | Single cable steering systems can develop a dangerous amount of play, whereas dual cable systems drastically reduce or eliminate this problem. |
| Cable maintenance | Regularly inspect the steering cable and connections. Periodically clean and lubricate grease cable fittings and supports. Use a marine-grade, lithium-based grease. |
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What You'll Learn
Steering cable length and bends
The steering cable is the main actuation force in push-pull steering for boats, moving the engine or rudder when the wheel is turned. A steering cable of the proper length and without excessive or tight bends provides the operator with effortless handling at all speeds, increases system efficiency, and reduces excess wheel and cable play.
To ensure the steering cable works smoothly and does not seize or corrode, it is important to regularly inspect the steering cable and connections. Grease cable fittings and supports should be periodically cleaned and lubricated with a marine-grade, lithium-based grease. When storing a boat for extended periods, the steering cable connection to the engine should be removed and thoroughly cleaned and lubricated.
If the steering becomes hard or inconsistent, cuts holes, or if corrosion appears on the cable surface, immediate replacement is the best course of action. Relatively new technology has been developed to eliminate engine torque feedback at the helm. With traditional steering systems, the engine pushes the boat to the right, requiring the operator to compensate by keeping wheel pressure to the left.
In some more powerful engines, the cable in a single cable steering system can develop a dangerous amount of play, whereas a dual cable system drastically reduces or eliminates this problem. This is a type of gearing where one or more gears align with the steering drum to provide movement to the core of the cable.
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Cable corrosion
Boat steering cables are the main actuation force in push-pull steering for boats, moving the engine or rudder when the wheel is turned.
Cables are susceptible to corrosion, which can cause the steering to become hard or inconsistent, or even cut holes. Corrosion can be prevented by regularly inspecting the steering cable and connections, and periodically cleaning and lubricating grease cable fittings and supports with marine-grade, lithium-based grease. If corrosion does appear, the best course of action is to immediately replace the cable. When storing a boat for extended periods, it is recommended to remove the steering cable connection to the engine and thoroughly clean and lubricate it.
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Push-pull steering
In some more powerful engines, the cable in a single cable steering system can develop a dangerous amount of play, whereas a dual cable system drastically reduces or eliminates this problem. This is a type of gearing where one or more gears align with the steering drum to provide movement to the core of the cable. Older designs like Safe-T and Big-T continue to perform admirably and are considered two of the strongest designs. The drawback to reductions is that it takes a bigger helm housing to reduce the gears, so these are not common in small dashboards.
Most helms are rotary and use gears to move the rudder. The cylinder moves when fluid is pumped from the helm after the wheel is turned. The cylinder acts between two points on the outboard and doesn’t exert any force on the hull or deck. The cylinder is made up of a ram, bored cylinder and hardware.
To ensure the steering cables work smoothly and do not seize or corrode, it is important to regularly inspect the steering cable and connections. It is also important to periodically clean and lubricate grease cable fittings and supports using a marine-grade, lithium-based grease. When storing a boat for extended periods, remove the steering cable connection to the engine and thoroughly clean and lubricate. A steering cable of proper length and without excessive or tight bends provides the operator with effortless handling at all speeds, increases system efficiency, and reduces excess wheel and cable play.
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Single vs dual cable systems
Single cable steering systems can develop a dangerous amount of play in more powerful engines. Dual cable systems drastically reduce or eliminate this problem. Dual cable systems use gearing where one or more gears align with the steering drum to provide movement to the core of the cable. This type of system requires a bigger helm housing to reduce the gears, so they are not common in small dashboards.
In a single cable steering system, the cable connects the steering wheel and helm at the front of the boat with the outboard motor. This system provides good handling performance and safe operation for smaller boats up to 10 metres in length.
Mechanical steering systems, also known as manual or non-power steering, are most commonly used in smaller boats. These systems use push-pull cables to direct the rudder to move left or right, steering the boat in the skipper's desired direction.
When storing a boat for extended periods, it is important to remove the steering cable connection to the engine and thoroughly clean and lubricate it. A steering cable of proper length and without excessive or tight bends provides the operator with effortless handling at all speeds, increases system efficiency, and reduces excess wheel and cable play.
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Rotary helms
Most helms are rotary and use gears to move the rudder. The cables are the main actuation force in push-pull steering for boats that moves your engine or rudder when the wheel is turned. In some more powerful engines, the cable in a single cable steering system can develop a dangerous amount of play, whereas a dual cable system drastically reduces or eliminates this problem. This is a type of gearing where one or more gears align with the steering drum to provide movement to the core of the cable. The older designs like Safe-T and Big-T continue to perform admirably and are considered two of the strongest designs. The drawback to reductions is that it takes a bigger helm housing to reduce the gears, so these are not common in small dashboards.
Mechanical steering uses push-pull cables which connect the steering wheel and helm at the front of the boat with the outboard motor. This system provides good handling performance and safe operation for smaller boats up to 10 metres in length. Some owners of small boats that use a tiller arm to steer the boat may want to upgrade to mechanical steering to allow them to use a steering wheel, sit closer and have more control over the boat.
To ensure the steering cables work smoothly and do not seize or corrode, it is important to regularly inspect the steering cable and connections. It is also important to periodically clean and lubricate grease cable fittings and supports using a marine-grade, lithium-based grease. When storing a boat for extended periods, remove the steering cable connection to the engine and thoroughly clean and lubricate. A steering cable of proper length and without excessive or tight bends provides the operator with effortless handling at all speeds, increases system efficiency, and reduces excess wheel and cable play.
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Frequently asked questions
To ensure your steering cables work smoothly, you should regularly inspect the steering cable and connections, clean and lubricate grease cable fittings and supports, and use a marine-grade, lithium-based grease. When storing a boat for extended periods, remove the steering cable connection to the engine and thoroughly clean and lubricate.
The steering cable directs the rudder to move left or right to steer the boat in the desired direction. The cables are the main actuation force in push-pull steering for boats that moves your engine or rudder when the wheel is turned.
There are two main types of boat steering systems: hydraulic and mechanical. Mechanical steering systems, also known as manual or non-power steering, are most commonly used in smaller boats.
