changing steering cable

trying to change the steering cable in my 02 x-star. Got some good input here already but ran into an unexpected snag. When I try to go and loosen the single big nut that attatches the cable to the cable bracket near the back of the boat, the whole bracket starts to spin? ugh. I tried tightening the three nuts that hold that bracket in place, but they are so difficult to get at and get a wrench on both the bolt head and nut. Any ideas to help? I was thinking of taking out the off the one big nut that holds the brackte assembly there to the bottom of the boat and then try to pull the whole thing out of the bilge area to get a better angle at it? Think that will work? Too late to try anything now, need to head to bed. Thanks.

I can't remember exactly, but I think I ended up removing the whole unit too due to the same problem.

Thanks Erik, that's what I was thinking of doing this evening. Wish I wasn't 6'5 220lbs, would make working on these boats so much easier! Get a little dizzy/nauseated from being upside down so long! Any body have a contortionist friend I could borrow?

just a follow up, I ended up removing the sleeve that the cable runs through near the transom end by removing the 3/4" nut. Pulled the assembly out of the bilge area and was then able to loosen the big nut on the steering cable. New cable installed and ready to go. Can't beleive how much nicer the steering feels.

Bob. I knew a girl once that was a contortionist...god I should have married that girl.

had the boat out on the water last night for the first time since changing the cable. Wow, what a difference. What can I do to prevent my new cable from getting all rusted out? I plan on keeping the bilge area as dry as possible, greasing the cable at least a couple times a summer. I've heard of these going bad just sitting over the winter though? Any thoughts?

I try to keep the rudder turned all one way so the cable is folded in and not exposed to the elements. It's hard to remember on a daily basis but for sure over the winter.

I've heard of people getting a rubber boot for the cable to prevent water from getting in but I never heard if that would work for this boat.

it's super important on the 205V hull to keep the bilge dry not only for the steering cable but to keep water out of the transmission. I am just realizing that as I just pumped a decent amount of milkshake fluid out of my transmission. Turns out it is a huge problem with this hull and there is a service bulletin about it. I will be checking my tranny fluid way more than once a year from here on out.