Steering cable options

[opposedtwin]

I have rigged a couple boats over the years and pretty much bought the standard "coated wire rope" from the hardware store and/or a big box store. I never really thought about strands, type of coating (nylon vs vinyl), etc. but I notice one of the boats I rigged seems to have more flexible cable than the other, and consequently smoother steering.

What is the diameter of wire needed for the garden variety pulleys in most 50s era boats? 3/16, right? Lately I have noticed 3/32 and 1/8 coated wire rope. They both seem to have the same outside diameter.

has anybody tried different types and had better success with one than another?

Thanks!
Scott

[jerry-ahrens]

Scott, I have a spool of marine grade steering cable, that is specifically made for tiller steering. PM me with how much you need and I can bring to Tomahawk. I think 3/16 sounds right on the diameter, but I’ll have to look.

[opposedtwin]

Thanks Jerry,
I’m good on cable at the moment. I was just hoping to find someone who knew more about it and who could point me in the right direction. Where did you get your cable?

I will try to track you down at tomahawk to say hello. Are you bringing your alumacraft FDR?

Scott

[jerry-ahrens]

I ordered the steering cable in from the marine wholesaler where I get most of my parts from. I”ll have to look when I get to the shop for the brand, etc.
I’m not sure yet on what boat we are bringing. I’d like to bring the wood Thompson, but I’m afraid to trailer it that far. 2 years ago, going to Tomahawk, a guy almost hit my boat while merging on to the freeway. I’ll either bring the FDR or the Deep C most likely. I’m really looking fwd. to some boating…. that’s about my favorite part. I’m sure we will run into each other. See you there.

[vintin]

http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-wire-rope/=13987fg

[mr-asa]

Scott, I had the same question and never really got an answer. This thread is pretty much what I was trying to find out. Thanks.

[rudderless]

When I did research on cable for my tinny I found out on an aircraft site do not use stainless because of the work hardening. So I purchased nylon coated galvanized cable for lite aircraft. There is a proportion of cable diameter to pulley diameter to check. I did not save any info, last year I did the project. I don’t remember the diameter of the cable itself, I think it was 1/8in I think…also had much thicker coating than garage door cable so it ended up to be almost 1/4in.

Thats all I got….

[opposedtwin]

Thanks for the help guys. Vin tin, McMaster was where I began my search. Then I was confused by all the options. I am planning to get some of that ultra flexible type. It should work fine.
Jerry, I will look for you and your boat there.
Vin tin are you going to tomahawk? Would like to meet you too. If so, pm me your contact info and I’ll give you a call up there.
Scott

[Anonymous]

When I was rerigging my boat I learned the correct term is "tiller rope", which is still hard to find, even if you know the words!

I think I purchased mine at West Marine…. Tho maybe they stock it for some other purpose!

[mr-asa]

Hey guys, while I was trying to figure this out, I wondered what the spring strength per inch displacement needed to be to ensure a good responsive steering system. Anyone know? Is it a one-size-fits-all?

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