Winding cable and drum boat steering

In this video I through how to replace the cable on drum steering for a boat. This involves winding the cable onto the drum correctly then routing it through the pulleys and finally tensioning it to the spring attachment using some turnbuckles.
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[@OldMysticFantasist]

7 years since this was posted & it's still helping people like me restring their boats. Thanks again, Stu!

[@MrNcrumble]

Your video here got my family out on the water with the old Fishabout that we were taking for its maiden fishing session. Thanks so much for the great work that you do putting these videos out helping us stay on the water.

[@BrianPaulCinematography]

This video was very helpful. I screwed up the first time I did it, because I had the ends of the cable coming off the wrong side of the drum (turn to port and we went to starboard (and vice versa). The key the 2nd time was carefully thinking it out in my head: if I turn the wheel to port, that pulls on the starboard-side cable and turns the front of the motor to starboard, turning the boat to port (and vice versa). The other thing was making sure the cables were tight using a turnbuckle.

[@glenmcfarlane1369]

Same

[@thebaritonechannel9072]

Just want to thank you so much for this video. I bought my first boat recently and the drum steering came apart. After watching your video I realised the precious owner didn't even wound it correctly. I had no idea about boats but got it all working now. So happy. Thanks Stu!

[@DangarMarine]

You're welcome mate, glad the video helped you. :)

[@thebaritonechannel9072]

Dangar Marine my cable set up didn't have pulleys at each side of the outboard motor. What is the purpose of those two pulleys? Also if it's ok, it would be so awesome to get a selfie with you one day when I get to Dangar. I live about 5 hours west at the moment but I'm looking forward to get over and look for the green machine!

[@sethhigson3616]

Thank you sir. I picked up a vintage inboard with dodgy steering and the first few minutes explaining the drum explains what is going wrong. Kudos!

[@DangarMarine]

You're welcome Seth, glad the vid helped.

[@rocketmanray]

Stu - you gave me the courage to tackle a fickle handle on an electric trolling motor.... I know, not the same as an outboard but a electro-mechanical device that needed repair. I ordered a $20 rheostat to effect the repair..... thanks for your instilling a sense of confidence in those less knowledgeable.....

[@DangarMarine]

Glad I could help. It's funny you should mention this now because I have just put a trolley motor on my wife's Hobie trimaran that I'm hoping to modify soon to bypass the tiller handle and make it just an on-off switch. I haven't taken it apart yet but I'm hoping it won't be too tricky.

[@ronpowell2373]

Get a kids scooter speed controller - they cost around $50 and give you speed control.

[@lobo2790]

The Baritone Channel-I agree wholeheartedly with you! Thank you to Dangar Marine for helping out a new boat owner all the way up in Des Moines, Iowa, United States! Our family found a small 1962 Pipestone last fall and cannot find ANY information on it?! I came across your vid on our 2nd trip as my engine was seizing up and figured it out with your help. My drum steering also came apart this past weekend while we were out on the water, so I had to think quick and bum rig it to get back to shore.(nice rug burn on my shoulder, left as a battle scar). The prior owner had 2 wires running forward and wrapped them at the drum. Now, I’m glad we haven’t taken it out to a larger lake to let it loose yet?! From your comments, that does NOT sound like a good situation and we dodged a major bullet. Also, being stuck in the middle of a lake floating like a dead stick doesn’t sound like a good time. Pulled up your channel and it’s great to always find what I need for our boat. Fixed it this morning-Easy Peasy, lemon squeezie. I know our 3 kids appreciate us sticking to plan to get out tomorrow!! Thanks again from up North, Stu!! Keep up the great work!!!

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate, glad the videos have been helping you and great to hear you have been enjoying your new boat. :)

[@jbangun1682]

Did mine a few weeks ago. Thank you for the awesome video! Couldn't have done mine without it.

[@DangarMarine]

You're welcome mate, glad the video helped you. :)

[@nathansdad04]

Finally!....I now know what he is saying at beginning of every video. DangerSTU.....I always thought he was saying Dangars TWO.

[@DangarMarine]

The secret's out!

[@terrynorton3182]

Love it. She swims over to ask if you need a beer! She’s a keeper. LOL

[@rossr100]

Thanks for the tutorials! Have just redone the dodgy cable on my new (old) boat this morning which was held by just 2 turns behind the wheel. Very valuable to be able to refer to. Cheers Stu.

[@alnbaba]

My old boat had that set up, it was arm strong steering with my 70 johnson for sure. I didn't like it from day one and it failed at the worst time at sea handy to the rocks it went hard over in a tight circle. I had to disconnect the throttle controls and steer it from the motor. I could have thrown me overboard into 45 f water. Cheers mate.

[@DangarMarine]

I have a love-hate relationship with this steering. Part of me really admires the simplicity of this system, and it's resistance to corrosion, but it does have the fault of catastrophic failure when it goes.

[@jolandajolanda8572]

Eindelijk een duidelijk filmpje over hoe ik deze kabel moet maken. Ik ben je voor altijd dankbaar dat JIJ mij dit geleerd hebt. Groetjes een amateurtje.

[@bgremillion11]

My last two projects on two separate boats, you sir have showed me exactly what I have to do. Love your channel and I am now a subscriber. Good dude! Thanks

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate, glad to your your projects have been working out. Nice work!

[@acgolem]

i watched this a while ago which gave me the confidence to do it myself. today I watched again and successfully got my steering working. just as the weather is improving too. you're a bit of a legend around these parts. keep it up mate.

[@DangarMarine]

Nice work mate, glad you got it fixed up. :) Be sure to keep an eye on this type of steering because when it fails it just goes completely which can be very bad news if you are travelling at speed.

[@stevescoffeecart]

Got my steering back.... thanks heaps mate... cheers

[@geneticepistomology]

I am late to class, but I have my homework with me. Thank you so much for the help! If you see this in the next week or so there should be a video on my boat build.

[@DanielleMcCune]

Thanks for this video, I'm replacing the steering cable on our 78 Hourston Glasscraft and the pulleys were straight fwd but I'm glad I watched your video otherwise I wouldn't have had the main steering pulley wound correctly. I guess one shouldn't always copy the previous owners job. Very helpful easy to follow vid! Cheers!!

[@Hennessey_and_smoke]

@dangarstu you sir, (and eddie.) are bonafide eastern treasures. From me in California, with much 🚢 ❤. thank you for your uploads!

[@sicchuckie]

Great video, I’m not quite there, but I did take my cables off yesterday with the steering wheel, and my old cable from 1962 was coated in plastic, that was totally decaying. Thanks.

[@scottlardner9074]

Great. Now I know where to start on my new(1976) boat where it all let go yesterday, somehow. I was pulling a pretty tight turn under power when it let go. Great video!!! 👌👍

[@swblack1216]

That was the best explanation I’ve done this before with other videos and basically I had to teach myself and I forgot how I did it so thank you so much mine came apart today and I had to steer from the back and pick upFor crab traps it wasn’t fun can’t wait to rebuild it will add the turnbuckle so that it will stay tight when I lift the motor that seems to be my problem

[@DangarMarine]

Glad it helped!

[@jaquilicoe]

Thanks Stu. Just bought an old bomb and it really just needs the steering fixed. I already had the cable laying around, so I'll fix it tomorrow. Nice Vid. Nice and clear. A lot of help. Ta.

[@DangarMarine]

You're welcome mate, glad the vid helped you. :)

[@janearmstrong5533]

Thanks for this, got us out of trouble and now we can enjoy out boat more👍🏻😁

[@DangarMarine]

Have fun!

[@ibquinny]

very helpful thank you very much. I have the "rig" in tact, just took off the 2 d-shackles either side of engine to allow slack so I can wind the drum back properly. I was struggling, came home, saw this will give it another go now. thanks again.

[@DangarMarine]

Good luck with the next attempt. It can be a little tricky to get your head around but once you do it isn't hard if you use the tape.

[@ibquinny]

I am going to the boat shortly, I have watched the video again a few times, just thinking if I will have enough slack or not. (bearing in mind I am trying to re-wind the drum without taking the whole rigging apart.

[@neilrainford1884]

If you have the type of drum that contains no slot, but contains a cable lock-down in the middle, then put the midpoint of the cable in the lockdown and secure it with screws. (Note first see that your steering wheel and outboard motor are straight.). Then, wind the aft half of the spool using the wheel and tape it off. Then wind the fore/front/open half of the spool using the other cable and tape it off. Then, making sure the cables exit the drum from above (the top side) the drum, thread them back to the engine. Key points: make sure the cable exits from the top of the drum. Leave a few empty turns on the drum so the cable has a place to go when you turn the steering wheel. Make sure the steering wheel cable pulls in cable on the opposite side of the boat from the direction you are trying to turn (boat steering works by pushing the back of the boat in the opposite direction of the turn). It doesn’t matter if the cables exit the drum in the middle of the drum (like in Stu’s case) or at the fore and aft part of the drum (like in my case) either system works. Thanks for the video Stu it was super helpful!

[@Fireship1]

I think my 1969 Starcraft mariner V had this setup back in the day. The tensioner springs are still flopping around in the stern, no one ever removed them. She was converted to single cable steering before she became mine. This was an interesting one though. Always wondered what those springs were for in my boat. Happy new year Stu, thanks for posting this.

[@DangarMarine]

Hi mate, happy new year! Yes, many boats still have those springs floating around the back after the steering was converted.

[@NearbyCactus]

Brings back memories - my first boat, about 40 years ago had this arrangement :-)

[@DangarMarine]

It's certainly a steering style that's been around for a while.

[@hbtrapper]

thanks for the video save me a lot of time and money trying to figure it out myself

[@DangarMarine]

You're welcome. :)

[@Ramshackle6984]

A lot of moving parts and places for things to go wrong. I've never seen a set up like this (albeit I've only been boating for about 6 years). Good to know, thanks!

[@DangarMarine]

This boat has more pulleys than most due to the centre console, but yes, they do have a few failure points that need to be monitored that's for sure!

[@christianblankenship7683]

Well done! Thanks for doing this one!

[@trevorhanlon471]

Thanks Stu ! attemped my replacement cable today..Took a couple of attempts as I was upside down, back to front and got myself tangled with the cable .Great video and very handy to know.

[@DangarMarine]

You're welcome Trevor, glad the vid helped. :)

[@liamnicholls5252]

Awesome vid stu, gave me confidence to fix it the first time round and turned out great :) unfortunately released the tension on the cable by unhooking starboard side from the engine and unwound the whole thing so i am back again- Might want to duct tape the steering together if anyones thinking about undoing cable to move wires around lol

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Liam, taping is definitely the best way to stop these things springing apart.

[@jeffreysmall5259]

Love the program. Taught me a lot, THANKS 😊 SO MUCH ,I TRUST YOUR KNOWLEDGE.

[@aronbechiom565]

Exactly the video I needed, and the ONLY one I could find. Thanks!

[@Madmick82]

Too hot outside so im inside drinking a coopers mid watching this, I'll also have one for you Stu.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate! I'm finally fitting inside in air conditioning but certainly have some sunburn to deal with...

[@greggspender6322]

You're a lifesaver. I bought a 4.4 metre aluminium runabout with a drum and pulley steering this week and have lost steering a couple of times already due to the cable dropping off the pulley. I have been searching for the correct set up everywhere but this is the only video that clearly shows how to do it. Is it possible to retrofit push/pull rotary steering systems to older boats? Keep up the great videos!

[@DangarMarine]

Glad to help Gregg. Most outboards can take either type of steering so yes, it is possible to change over to either system you prefer.

[@KrillMister57]

Very useful (the only information I've found on this subject) Thank you so much!

[@BrooklynAvenue]

Very helpful, I have steering again thanks to you.

[@DangarMarine]

Nice one. Be careful to check the the whole length of the cable regularly, I've seen a few recently that have worn very quickly.

[@Hahehhwgajshah72726..]

Top stuff Mate.I had an old glass runabout with a setup like that with crusty cables and pulleys.My Quinny has the teleflex steering now which is so much simpler and better.That visitor was quite friendly wasn't she?I bet it's been busy there over Christmas.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Fabian. It has been busy with various boats out of action. That visitor was the owner of the boat so she had a vested interest. ;)

[@glenmcfarlane1369]

Thanks for this. Very useful

[@goatviewdairy]

Thanks mate, this video helped me to fix up my old steering system. Cheers

[@DangarMarine]

Great to hear!

[@heindrikoudshoorn6422]

Thanks for your help dangar marine great videos and so helpful

[@joatmofa0405]

THANK YOU!!! Very informative and content = spot on!!!

[@DangarMarine]

Glad it was helpful!

[@billjoe2116]

Cloths line works well, it is a steal cable with the the protection of rubber against corrosion.

[@DangarMarine]

+Bill Joe Yes, I've a few with that cable but the casing does start to wear and split after a while.

[@KevinVermaak]

Great video. Thanks

[@deanfulford69]

great work stu your the man

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Dean, happy New Year! :)

[@justinrice8509]

Thank you 😊

[@elizabethreed9926]

Good show mate, you answered alot of my questions...

[@elizabethreed9926]

Pardon my accent, I live in New York

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Elizabeth, you're accent is barely noticeable. ;)

[@garygerard4290]

excellent video / well explained - give the editing department a slap on the back! I'd add now is a good time to put a drop of lube on the pulleys and there is a right way and a wrong way to install a U Clamp - and should there be a lock nut on the U Clamp - thank you for posting this

[@larrylawson6408]

Another great video , thanks again mate

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Larry!

[@mohamedfellous7095]

Good job...thank you 👏👏👏

[@MWilliams-tj1mw]

Thanks for the info. I have a question for you if you can somehow answer it. I have the same type of set up on my 73’ Starcraft Holiday. Except on mine the drum doesn’t have the cut out long the middle for the cable to wrap over. I have holes at each end on the the flanges. No matter what I do I can not get it to work correctly.

[@nonyobis]

Second to watch first to like. Haha. Wish I saw this months ago. I just took it out and put in modern steering

[@DangarMarine]

That first like is always my favourite. :) The upgrade is probably worth the expense. It is certainly safer if you ask me.

[@timgaetz4191]

Thanks Dangar. I understand this video is a little old, but, do you have a video on a refresh of the steering drum shaft and wheel assembly? Mine's gnarly and I don't want to beat something apart that isn't meant to come apart.

[@grantcaldwell7169]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@DangarMarine]

You're welcome Grant. :)

[@cameronboyle1670]

Video was a massive help thanks mate

[@jonathanpope81]

thank you

[@josemedina-dw9re]

how do you put the cable on the pully if the drum does not have a grove down the center ??

[@DangarMarine]

Not sure, I've only see this type.

[@leonchristensen746]

Very well done thank you very much sir

[@DangarMarine]

You're welcome Leon.

[@WillsGarage91]

Happy New Year Stu!! Nice work too!! Haven't seen one of those steering systems in a long time!!

[@DangarMarine]

Happy New Year Will! They are certainly less common now, but I still see a few around.

[@NotoriousKTD]

I love this!!! What do you do if you don't have a center channel?

[@ijv5567]

cool video

[@stanpatterson5033]

Excellent demonstration, Stu. But please, won't you share with us.... how it is that you know that there's nothing worse than coming up just a bit short on cable?? Or should I even ask? Hmmm... I can just imagine.....

[@DangarMarine]

Hey Stan, there is a reason that this video takes place over two days with two different t-shirts. ;)

[@stanpatterson5033]

Ha ! But haven't we all had one of those 2-day projects that should have taken just 20 minutes ? You sure made it look simple in the video. Thanks for sharing.

[@ronbaur8961]

Hi Stu, Just about to tackle this job with your help, Thank you sir! I wonder if the tension of the cable has to take into account the motor being tilted forward? I did one years ago and had a bit of trouble with the cable being to tight. Love your videos and I have watched most of them. I figure this will be a two beer job.

[@DangarMarine]

Hey Ron, yes, you might find you need just enough slack for the motor to tilt, but if they are coming from the sides they should just twist without needing too much extra cable. You want to be careful that the cable doesn't have any chance of popping off while you are travelling at speed.

[@ronbaur8961]

Thanks Stu, Also, I was confused by the fact that I have two sets of pulleys. One set is fixed the other set will pivot or twist, You just answered that question as well, I will put the swivel set at the stern. These are pulling from the sides. I will be sure they are tight. Cheers mate!

[@user-kt1qt2bn3o]

What if your drum doesn't have a groove that goes straight across?

[@noahschumaker6310]

Hello Stu, I noticed that you're using steel cable; is this the best type to use for this kind of project? I'm looking to replace the cable on my steering system but I think mine is just nylon. Thanks, Noah.

[@DangarMarine]

Yes, always use steel because if it breaks a very bad accident could shortly follow. You might find yours is steer with a nylon outer casing. That is common too.

[@JohnGieschenJr]

where was this video last summer when I was pulling my hair out!!! - thanks, great job.

[@DangarMarine]

I know that feeling. There are so many things I have learned that I wish I knew earlier. Hope it helps you for next time! :)

[@signsnmor9415]

Would it be possible to show a quick video of the cables running to pulleys from the center console pulley showing the cable to rear pulley and how it runs to the motor? Thank you sir! Awesome video converting my boat to a center console and now I have a pretty good idea on how to do it just need few more info

[@DangarMarine]

This boat has now been upgraded to a Teleflex steering cable so unfortunately I can't film the route.

[@chiphood2966]

Im here because i just purchased a boat and was about to take it for a spin today and realised the steering is opposite 😂

[@normansanin3326]

Thanks for the excellent video. What is this type of cable called? I keep seeing others that are more than just plain cable. Can I just get and stainless cable from the hardware store?

[@markolav7017]

a few months ago I saw the light that was "teleflex" Never looked back....No more drum cables for me... I once wound the cable on in reverse whilst lying in the boat the night before . This error resulted in quite an embarrassing fishing trip.. "Harder to Port ! Harder to Port !!!!! " oh dear

[@DangarMarine]

LOL. :) I doubt you are the first person to have that problem! The new cable system is quite good though even if it does have a bit more maintenance to keep it moving smoothly.

[@harryhoesch3793]

Guessing when you finally set your turnbuckle tension that you semi-permanent Loctite Blue (medium strength) thread-lock adhesive. Sure hate for it to vibrate free. Other option is to lock engine in the up position tighten, then lower the engine to increase to operating tension.

[@BedLiners1]

Have you switched any boats from cable drum to push pull cable?

[@petert6103]

Hi Stu, Thanks for sharing this one. The boat and motor don't look old enough to have this steering setup. Was it a personal preference of the owner? I am guessing that this system could be more reliable for boats that live in the water.

[@callumwearne7870]

You should only use them on small boats no more than 40 hp or there abouts. anything larger and heavier is dangerous for this type of steering arrangement but a lot of the smallest boats that are forward steer have them

[@DangarMarine]

They are reasonably immune from corrosion compared to the single cable steering type. They are a bit more dangerous in that they can fail allowing the outboard to turn sharply to one side where the single cable system is more like to just become stiff and hard to turn.

[@tkhayes83]

Dangar Marine Hey, just wanted to say your videos have been fantastic and very helpful with my boat, also I have this steering system on my boat, 4.8 meter 1990 Caribbean Caper, it has 1972 50hp outboard 50ESL72C, I am currently in need of a steering upgrade or fix as my steering wheel wobbles all over the play I think the bearings may be gone, what would you recommend? I'm not sure what to go for, I am tempted to go for Hydraulic but am unsure of compatibility since everything is old. In the middle of replacing the floor so I have time to upgrade things. Any advice would be great Thanks TK

[@classicxl]

I have this pulley system on my older 14ft aluminum boat . i’m going with a newer 20 hp 4 stroke . should i stay with pulleys or go with a rotary steering setup

[@GraemeJones1979]

I am doing this job in the next day or so, I just wanted to ask if I face the front of my boat and look underneath to access the drum am I best starting to attatch the wire at the top of the drum nearest the steering wheel or the bottom of the drum? Also if I need to start at the top of the drum do I take that wire off to the left or right

[@googleplusisdead]

Happy New Year (even though you had it a day before I did here in San Diego, CA... :) Most steering wheels have a "center" or straight ahead position that's pretty clear. You didn't mention anything about getting that right, or pretty close to right, is there a trick to ensure that, or just eyeball the motor when hooking everything up? RichE

[@DangarMarine]

Happy New Year, finally! ;) Good point about centring. What I do is have the grove to the top, wind the cables to meet in the middle and then eyeball the motor straight before connecting the pulleys. It is always very hard to get the steering wheel to look dead straight but at least you will get a decent amount of travel in both directions, port and starboard.

[@gyorgyimre7774]

always good weather, nice shores, plenty of outboards to work with.... man , you are in heaven;) im so envy... is there anything wrong there? i mean, seriously!??

[@DangarMarine]

I'm not complaining, although nice blue ocean water would be nice. ;)

[@ronpowell2373]

yeah- Sydney has had a run of 35 deg C days with 80-90% humidity. The temps are Ok, but the humidity means you cant work outside comfortably for long, your perspiration just does not evaporate to cool you down. Sunburn is quick too - about 30 minutes and you feel it that night when trying to sleep. Even SPF50+ sunscreen only works for a few hours. But a bimini, sunglasses and a running engine makes it worthwhile:-)

[@stephz9551]

Ron Powell b

[@Reissumies]

I have been trying to locate a spare replacement drum hopefully in Australia but not much luck yet. Any links from anywhere?

[@haroldjorgensen5065]

where can I find a steering drum like yours? I can't find it anywhere

[@jeremyowings6079]

Hey Stu. love watching your channel. I have a boat with a drum that doesn't have the slot to lay the cable in. yang you give me some advice on how to go about winding a new cable?

[@DangarMarine]

Hey Jeremy, just start winding from the edges and have the cables meet in the middle, it should be fine once there is tension on it.

[@jeremyowings6079]

Dangar Marine thanks. I'll give it a try.

[@scottsaleff7260]

I would like your opion on this type of pulley/cable steering system.I just bought a 1966 starcraft 14 foot V hull. She has a Classic Mercury 50 hp,which I understand to be 45 hp. She has this pulley/cable steering.but instead of metal cable its plastic, which is showing its age with cracks in the plastic cable. I was wondering if I should replace it with a new metal cable and pulleys. Thanks for your video,Scott

[@DangarMarine]

Hi Scott, I personally think this type of steering is pretty dangerous as it can fail more easily than a traditional push-pull cable. If that happens at speed then things can get VERY nasty very fast as the motor will suddenly turn to full lock. If you are going to replace it, use the opportunity to upgrade to a modern helm.

[@russg1801]

In the US if your motor is over 40 HP running this obsolete rope-and-pulley steering is ILLEGAL regardless of how old the boat is. It's considered unsafe and you're obligated to retrofit push-pull cable steering or hydraulic steering.

[@DangarMarine]

Sounds like a good rule to have, this steering system can work well for years and years but when it goes it goes...

[@brian48026]

Super helpful video, thanks so much for uploading! Any reason you used an uncoated wire? Could this same process be done using a coated wire? I'm thinking I want to do used coated just for extra corrosion protection...? Thoughts?

[@DangarMarine]

The coating will wear off as it runs through the pulleys. You are better off with stainless wire.

[@pitsmcgoo]

Haven't seen one of those in 40 years.

[@callumwearne7870]

haha oh they are around... Nasty things

[@DangarMarine]

They last a long time so they don't often get replaced without a good reason.

[@KevinVermaak]

How do you connect the cable to the motor?

[@noahscanlon8391]

Were can i get a new steering drum ?

[@Noordstrand]

I bought a zodiac with a cable steering unit, but the pulleys are missing. It’s not steering unit with a dum, but with cogwheel and a chain that decays to two cables. I doubt between to restore this cable steering unit or buying a new mono cable steering unit. The “paddle wheel effect” of the Honda 4 stroke 50PK could be too unpleasant with the cable steering unit. What would you do?

[@DangarMarine]

I would move to a single cable system. Better and much safer.

[@MrDanCarfts]

Where can I buy a pully and cable system? Can't seem to locate a source.

[@Radswa_Chikinora]

Just did this as my steering was shot. Didn't really pay as much attention as I should have..... maybe 1 to many beers hahah, When I turn left I go right and when i turn right i go left..... I hate doing things twice.. kid of funny though.

[@DangarMarine]

Ah yes, we've all been there with the reversed steering. Takes you brain a while to figure out what is going on!

[@georgeroukis]

Ok 👌

[@madaleine0n864]

l am taking on a self-designed boat....which has pontoons ( 6 ft apart at center.) ..lm thinking a drum system..can manage both rudders and engine.........should I connect the 3 with linkage , and then attach cables ...? ( uhg..)

[@DangarMarine]

I would never add drum steering to a new boat, it is prone to breaking without notice. Go Teleflex cable and and a link bar between the two motors.

[@andershelling1365]

Thank you!! :))

[@conorpeachey5315]

could u do a video on converting a old tiller steer motor to remotes :)

[@DangarMarine]

One day when the trawler project is finished!

[@andrewnicholson1224]

What size and type of springs do you use

[@andrewwilson4675]

hi there great video only problem I have is on drum I only have 2 separate groves and not like yours will lots of grooves how do I sort it

[@DangarMarine]

Not sure, haven't seem that type, but the principle should be the same with it winding around in two opposite directions.

[@andrewwilson4675]

think I have sorted it sort of only problem now is I have wound wire round wrong way so when I turn left the boat goes right nightmare

[@motorv8N]

Hey Stu - not sure if you monitor comments on videos this old, but I've got a question on winding the drum. I've just purchased one from your sponsor, MarineEngine.com for a little hydroplane project. It has some differences to the one in this demo, however. Namely that the spool is divided half way along by a ridge, in effect creating two sections. Also, there is no central slot, but rather a hole right through at the point of the partition - presumably a start point for the cable. Are you able to describe how to wind this type of drum? The middle ridge will keep the cables from travelling the full length of the drum, as they do in this video, but I don't see how they can travel in separate sections without running out of drum travel. A lot of babbling, I know. If you have an email address I could send a pic of the part. Worth a thousand words and all that...

[@DangarMarine]

Hi mate, all good, I get notifications of all comments, just to replies to my replies unfortunately. Can you post a new comment with a link to the part your purchased?

[@motorv8N]

That's great, Stu - here she be... www.marineengine.com/newparts/part_details.php?pnum=OMC0313322

[@DangarMarine]

If that hole at the middle goes straight through, can you start by feeding the cable through the centre and then winding towards each end?

[@motorv8N]

Been playing with a bit of string and I think I've got it. You're right, the windings have to start at the hole with each end going in opposite directions towards each outer flange. The windings must stop about halfway out however in order to allow the spool to still turn in each direction with groove to travel in. Interestingly it works out to about the same number of turns each end of your wire took to get to the centre of the drum in this video - three or so. Not sure what the advantage is to the design I have. Made my head hurt trying to visualize the windings! Anyway - thanks for the help, Stu!

[@wainundersen1733]

Thankyou for your excellent video. Is it possible you could email me where i could buy a metal drum. Cheers and Thank you once again.

[@Reissumies]

I need that drum too. Where to buy please?

[@madaleine0n864]

um....just an aside here, the 2 pulleys on the engine,are keeping the system tight, and absorbing shock...(.which is cause cable wear )