V210 Steering Cable

(devans19) · (devans19) **Join Date: May 2005** 10-31-2006, 2:34 PM

I recently bought an 03 Sanger V210 and the steering is extremely tight. My previous boat had the same problem and I ended up changing the steering cable. I am told there is a way to lubricate the cable that may solve my problem. Anyone have experience with this? Thanks.

(Message edited by devans19 on October 31, 2006)

bigrich 10-31-2006, 2:45 PM

Once the cable gets stiff might not be worth messing with it. I would opt for replacing it and then maintain the new one regularly. Congrats on the new boat too.

(sangeria) · (sangeria) **Join Date: Dec 2003** 10-31-2006, 2:56 PM

I think there's a zerk fitting down by the rudder and on the backside of the dash...I'd check that first and then if still tight you might want to replace it. I have a 1997 V210 and I've never had a problem with it...

walt 10-31-2006, 4:31 PM

Get a new one.

(magnusm) · (magnusm) **Join Date: Dec 2003** 10-31-2006, 7:29 PM

I don't think the 2003's have any zerk fittings. I looked on mine as it's stiff as well and looks like replacement is the only option. I can live with it for now, but I'm going to have to spend the money one of these days to get this replaced.

(ralph) · (ralph) **Join Date: Apr 2002** 10-31-2006, 8:16 PM

Do you drain all of the water out of the bottom of your boat after every trip to the lake? I have a theory that leaving water in the bilge causes the cable to corrode up inside over time. I completely dry my bilge and so far my 03 cable with 410 hrs feels as new?

(norcalmalibu) · (norcalmalibu) **Join Date: Jun 2004** 10-31-2006, 8:36 PM

Darren the cause you explained is what kills the cables. In my 99 v210 the only drain plug ive seen is the one in the rear, am I overlooking one?

(magnusm) · (magnusm) **Join Date: Dec 2003** 10-31-2006, 10:05 PM

The rear is the only one. That is exactly what killed my cable originally. I didn't think to always be sure to get all the water out of the back and would leave the drain plug in, now I pull the plug right as I pull out of the water and let any water in there drain out as I go up the ramp. The cable hasn't gotten any worse in the last 2 years, but the damage was done.

(devans19) · (devans19) **Join Date: May 2005** 10-31-2006, 10:13 PM

Just bought the boat but there was water in the bilge when I got it home. The sanger dealership quoted me 5-6 hours(at $100/Hr) for replacement??? Wow! Guess I will be learning how to replace my steering cable. Anyone done it?

(wake_upppp) · (wake_upppp) **Join Date: Nov 2003** 10-31-2006, 10:21 PM

Water is normal of coarse, but try not to let the cable sit in it. 5-6 hrs seems a little steep. There should be a number near the end that will give you the length in feet. To put it in isn't too bad if you have basic mechanical skills. Use the old cable to pull the new one through.

(magnusm) · (magnusm) **Join Date: Dec 2003** 10-31-2006, 10:29 PM

I was quoted 3 hrs, plus $175 for the cable, for around $500 total.

(ralph) · (ralph) **Join Date: Apr 2002** 11-01-2006, 12:29 AM

Getting water out of the bilge is impossible using the plug at the back, you cannot get the front of the boat high enough. I drop the front ballast bag off and suck it out using the front ballast hose on empty, works great. (I have a completely custom ballast system with camlock disconnects so it might not work for you.)

(sangerlover) · (sangerlover) **Join Date: Sep 2005** 11-01-2006, 6:52 AM

Magnus-That is what Topside Marine charged me last spring for the replacement. What a huge difference it made.I make sure I get all the water out after each use now.