Steering Cable Only

Genuine Pretech rotary steering cable for outboard powered boats, sold on its own for replacing a worn or seized cable, or for completing a helm kit where you need a different length. Pretech cables are built from corrosion resistant materials with stainless steel output ends and a stainless inner core, so they stay smooth in salt water use. Suits Pretech 3000 Gen II, ZTS Gen II and D2900 rotary helms.

Boat steering cable lengths in stock

We stock Pretech steering cables in 2.25 m, 2.5 m, then 3.0 m to 7.0 m in 250 mm steps, plus 9.0 m, so you can pick the exact length for a tinny, runabout, centre console or cabin boat without paying for slack you do not need. Choose your length from the dropdown above. Prices are in NZ dollars and include GST.

Specifications

• Type: rotary (pull-pull) mechanical steering cable, single cable, single station
• Ends: stainless steel output ends, stainless inner core, corrosion resistant outer jacket
• Engine end: standard outboard tilt tube fitting, suits most outboards fitted with a standard rotary steering cable
• Minimum bend radius: 200 mm
• Lengths: 2.25 m, 2.5 m, then 3.0 m to 7.0 m in 250 mm steps, plus 9.0 m
• Brand: Pretech (Boatgear is the New Zealand distributor)

How to measure your steering cable

How to measure a boat steering cable: with the engine straight ahead, measure from the centre of the steering wheel (the helm) along the exact path the cable will run to the centre of the engine tilt tube, add 150 mm for the cable to sit naturally, then round up to the next available length. If the run has tight bends, allow for them (minimum bend radius is 200 mm). If you are replacing an existing cable, the length is usually printed on the old cable jacket near the helm end.

When to replace a boat steering cable

Stiff, notchy or heavy steering, a wheel that will not return smoothly, rust weeping from the engine end, or a cable that has seized inside the tilt tube are all signs the cable is done. A steering cable that fails at speed is dangerous, so replace it as soon as the steering starts to feel tight rather than waiting for it to lock. When you fit the new cable, clean and grease the tilt tube first so the new cable does not seize the same way.

Fitting notes

Fitting is a straightforward job for a competent DIY boat owner or any marine mechanic: release the old cable at the helm and tilt tube, feed the new cable through the same route, connect the engine end with the supplied nut, then clip the helm end into the helm and adjust the wheel to centre. If your helm is not a Pretech unit, ring us on 0800 273 9180 with the helm brand and model and we will confirm whether this cable fits.

Common questions

What size steering cable do I need for my boat? Measure from the centre of the steering wheel along the cable route to the centre of the engine tilt tube, add 150 mm, and round up to the next length we stock. Most 4 m to 5.5 m boats take a 3.5 m to 4.5 m cable, but always measure rather than guess.

Will a Pretech cable fit my existing rotary helm? It fits Pretech 3000 Gen II, ZTS Gen II and D2900 helms. Many other rotary helms use the same cable end, but not all, so ring us with the helm brand and model before ordering.

Why is my boat steering stiff? Usually a corroded or seized steering cable, or a dry tilt tube on the outboard. Grease the tilt tube first; if the steering is still heavy, replace the cable.

Do you ship steering cables anywhere in New Zealand? Yes. Boatgear ships nationwide from Auckland, usually dispatched the next working day, or you can buy through any of our dealers.

Pretech steering from a New Zealand wholesaler

Boatgear is Pretech's New Zealand distributor and has supplied the marine trade for over 50 years. We hold Pretech helms, cables, bezels and accessories in Auckland. Need a complete kit instead? See our Pretech rotary helm and cable kit and the ZTS no feedback helm and cable kit.