Measuring for Outboard Boat Steering Cables
TIP: Check for part numbers on existing cable jacket.
The last two digits of the part number may indicate the number of feet, or the last three digits may be the number of inches.
With cable removed from the boat:
Rotary Steering Cable: Measure only the outer plastic cable jacket, add 18”, and round up to the next foot.
Rack Steering Cable: Measure only the outer plastic cable jacket, add 30”, and round up to the next foot.
With cable installed, or no existing cable:
Measure the steering cable path from the steering wheel center line to the engine connection, as follows:
A = Center line of wheel to gunwale (or
deck, if routed downward)
B = Dash/console to transom
C = Gunwale to centerline of cable connection at centered tiller.
For cables mounted through the Engine Tilt Tube with a Link Arm: Add A + B + C, add 6 inches, round up to the next foot.
For cables mounted to Splashwell, Transom, or Stringer: Add A + B + C, subtract 6 inches and round up to the next foot.
