The steering system of your boat becomes a vital area of upkeep as time goes by. To keep up with maintenance, the series of components in this system may need replacement. And if there’s too much play or friction when you steer, it’s likely time to replace the steering cable. What are the best boat steering cable replacements?
Our top 5 best boat steering cable replacements are as follows:
- SeaStar SSC62xx Rotary Steering Cable – Click here to see it on Amazon – Our #1 Top Pick!
- SeaStar SSC134XX Rack Steering Cable – Click here to see it on Amazon
- Uflex M66X18 Rotary Replacement Steering Cable, 18′
- SeaStar Safe-T Quick Connect Rotary Steering Kit
- Uflex Rotech Rotary Steering System
Read on to learn more about the 5 best boat steering cable replacements, including the specs and features for each.
Also, take a look at our top pick on Amazon, the SeaStar SSC62xx Rotary Steering Cable, to see its great reviews and price:
Click here to see it on Amazon.
Boat Steering Cable Replacement – Best 5 Cables [Reviews]
1. SeaStar SSC62xx Rotary Steering Cable
First on our list of the best steering cable replacements is the SeaStar SSC62xx Rotary Steering Cable.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
The SeaStar SSC62xx Rotary Steering Cable is manufactured for fast and easy installation through the simple snap-in Quick Connect (QC) cable connections to the helm. You can use this boat steering cable replacement on boats with inboards, outboards, and sterndrives with single motors.
The SSC62xx has a rotary design to fit different helm space and application requirements. Core to conduit fit is tightly controlled to provide precise steering. The outer jacket is also constructed with HDPE for superior protection against the elements. Additionally, the cable output end is made of stainless steel material for corrosion resistance, making it more durable and reliable.
SeaStar Solutions has set the standard with its steering cables in the marine industry by using superior design, technology, and materials. All of its products are made and assembled in the USA and meet ABYC Safety Standards and ISO/IMCI/NMMA certification requirements.
- Rotary design
- Tightly controlled core to conduit fit
- HDPE outer jacket
- Stainless steel cable output end
- Meets/exceeds NMMA, ISO, IMCI, and ABYC standards
- Suitable for most single-station boats
2. SeaStar SSC134XX Rack Steering Cable
Next on our list of the best steering cable replacements is the SeaStar SSC134XX Rack Steering Cable.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
The SSC134xx is manufactured with a rack and pinion design and is contained in the SeaStar Complete Back Mount Rack System Kits SS141 and SS151. This steering cable replaces 1996 and newer SeaStar Solutions/Original Teleflex ‘The Rack’ (Back Mount) and Single Cable NFB Rack Steering. It won’t replace 1984 to 1996 SeaStar Solutions/Original Teleflex ‘The Rack’ (Rack and Pinion) steering cables.
SeaStar products offer a 2-year recreational user warranty against manufacturer defects. Its steering cables are also environmentally tested for marine applications.
- Rack and pinion design
- Included in the SeaStar Complete Back Mount Rack System Kits SS141 and SS151
- For single station use only
- Replaces 1996 and newer rack steering cables
3. Uflex M66X18 Rotary Replacement Steering Cable, 18′
Another excellent steering cable replacement is the Uflex M66X18 Rotary Replacement Steering Cable, 18′.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
The Uflex M66X18 is a rotary replacement steering cable that directly replaces the Uflex SSC6200, SSC6300, and 290 steering cables without adapters. It’s made of solid stainless steel engine output fittings, guaranteeing enhanced longevity and durability.
- Fast connect and simple installation
- All stainless steel cable output ends
- Made of corrosion-resistant materials
- Compact for mounting
- Exceeds EN 28848 and ABYC P17 safety standards
- Replaces Morse Command 290 cables (300962, 304411, or 312020), Teleflex SS62 cables, and Teleflex SS72 cables (K66 installation kit needed)
This rotary steering cable is also available in other sizes:
- Uflex M66X17 Rotary Replacement Steering Cable, 17′ – Click here to see it on Amazon.
- Uflex M66X15 Rotary Replacement Steering Cable, 15′ – Click here to see it on Amazon.
- Uflex M66X14 Rotary Replacement Steering Cable, 14′ – Click here to see it on Amazon.
- Uflex M66X12 Rotary Replacement Steering Cable, 12′ – Click here to see it on Amazon.
How to Measure for Replacement Boat Steering Cables
When replacing your boat’s steering cable, it’s ideal to remove and measure your old cable before ordering its replacement. If measuring your existing steering cable isn’t possible, you may follow the guidelines below:
For rack or rotary cables, you’ll need 3 measurements:
- A – The distance from the wheel’s centerline to the gunwale or deck (if it’s a downward mount).
- B – The distance from the dash to the transom.
- C – The distance from the gunwale to the centerline of the cable connection at the centered tiller.
Here’s the equation for installations through the engine tilt tube:
- A + B + C + 6 = The cable length (for sizing always round up)
Here’s the equation for installations mounted to the transom or the splashwell:
- A + B + C – 6 = The cable length (for sizing always round up)
4. SeaStar Safe-T Quick Connect Rotary Steering Kit
Next on our list of the best steering cable replacements is the SeaStar Safe-T Quick Connect Rotary Steering Kit.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
The SeaStar Safe-T Quick Connect is an affordable yet competitive boat steering system. It’s a quick response rotating system, which brings down the ratio of lock-to-lock to only three, making it perfect for your power-steered boat.
The Safe-T QC replaces all SeaStar Solutions Safe-T helms produced since 1968 with little or no dash modifications. It’s for single station use only and accepts wheels up to 16” diameter with a standard 3/4” round tapered steering shaft. Safe-T Quick Connect is also simple to install, and the kit includes a helm, steering cable, a 90-degree bezel, and hardware.
SeaStar is one of the leading trusted brands within the boating community, thanks to its high-performing and quality products.
- Quick-response of 3 turns lock-to-lock
- Stainless steel cable output ends
- Fast and easy installation
- Meets ABYC Standards and NMMA Certification requirements
5. Uflex Rotech Rotary Steering System
The Uflex Rotech Rotary Steering System is another excellent steering cable replacement on our list.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
Uflex Rotech Rotary Steering System comes with a unique planetary gear design that can provide you with a wider wear area. This design improves durability while reducing lost motion and steering effort. It gives more balanced loads on your steering wheel as well.
Installing the Uflex Rotary is also pretty simple since the helm is a direct drop-in replacement for the competing system. Therefore, you don’t need new holes to install it. It requires little space from behind the dashboard too. This kit includes a helm, steering cable, a 90-degree bezel, and hardware.
- Helm with a planetary gear design
- Centered on the main drive shaft
- Stainless steel output fittings
- The package includes the M66 Universal Rotary Steering Cable
Conclusion – Boat Steering Cable Replacement – Best 5 Cables [Reviews]
So to recap, what is the best boat steering cable replacement? Our top 5 best boat steering cable replacements are as follows:
- SeaStar SSC62xx Rotary Steering Cable – Click here to see it on Amazon – Our #1 Top Pick!
- SeaStar SSC134XX Rack Steering Cable – Click here to see it on Amazon
- Uflex M66X18 Rotary Replacement Steering Cable, 18′
- SeaStar Safe-T Quick Connect Rotary Steering Kit
- Uflex Rotech Rotary Steering System
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