Replacing the Steering on a Classic Boston Whaler Montauk

[@bobwillmann423]

Awesome video, I just uncovered a 199 0 Montauk that was given to us, first thing I discovered was a locked steering shaft. Thank you so much for all this information. I look forward to getting this beast out on the water.

[@markdimaio8396]

Sooner or later I'll be doing this. Glad I saw this video. Mine in an '82

[@johntrigger9464]

Fantastic video. We have a 2010 BW Montauk 150. Cable isin in the gunnel and may require motor loosening to move over for access. No job is without it's challenges

[@LazyLocations]

Thanks John. You are definitely correct about "no job is without its challenges". Nice boat too!

[@jimbrownlee3972]

Thank you for this video. I'm taking on this project on my 86 Montauk shortly, and this was a huge help. One question, is there a reason you ran the cable back to front instead of the other way around?

[@chrisjuall9982]

Thanks Jim. Yes, I ran the cable from back to front because the stern end of the cable has the steel tube attached. It isn't flexible so it would be very difficult, if not impossible to pull it through the channel. Good luck with your project. It'll make a huge difference.

[@jeffreypoole4204]

Thanks, nice work. At the final connection at the engine, how did you line up the bar/cable coming from the bracket housing? Is it a test and adjust workflow?

[@LazyLocations]

It’s flexible so it lines up easily.

[@restore-your-montauk]

Was removing the cable from the helm difficult? I have the console and helm disassembled for renewing and it would be a great time to replace the cable. Thank you.

[@LazyLocations]

It’s super easy. I simply unscrewed the cable nuts from the helm and pulled it out. If yours doesn’t screw in then pull the pin(s) instead.

[@PackAddict]

I pulled the 22 gallon tank from mine for day trips and I'm looking for new tanks. I'd love to go more original looking, what are your tanks? How do you like them?

[@LazyLocations]

Mine are Scepter 6 gallon tanks. They are great for day trips but not great quality. I think another brand of 6 gallon tank would be fine. I'm going to do the opposite as you and get the 22 gallon tank so I have more range.

[@AlphaBobFloridaOverlord]

Are you happy with the 18 foot cable? Or, would you have stayed with the 17 foot that was original equipment? My 1985 Montauk has a 19 foot cable and I think it’s too long. All the components in the system are in good shape, but there’s slop in the steering - approximately 1/8 of a turn. I believe this is caused by the cable being too long and not properly anchored under the console . Again, if you were to do this job over would you go with the 18 foot cable again, or would you stay with the original 17 foot?

[@LazyLocations]

The 18' length is perfect. That was was OEM on my boat and it's absolutely the way to go.

[@AlphaBobFloridaOverlord]

@@LazyLocations thanks for the quick response! I’m going to swap my [incorrect] 19’ cable for an 18’ - absolutely love my Montauk! It’s a very small investment into something I will own for the rest of my life!

[@johnbutler495]

i have a 1989 17 montauk. Steering cable looks new (CAN CLEARLY READ THE WRIGHTING ON IT) i have a dead spot in the steering were it does not turn the motor from 12 to 2. thinking problem is in helm? your thoughts? Thanks JB

[@LazyLocations]

Yes. I think it’s probably the helm too but if you replace that you might as well replace the whole thing.

[@kevinmccarey5015]

Hello to you Where is your help 🤣 I would have loved to give you a hand. Great video I must say I am getting ready to change my wheel soon. Be well

[@DavidLorenzoFlorida]

This video is probably going to help a few people. Very informative and well done. I noticed the floats mounted on your wall. Those are the ones you sit in, correct? Do they work well ? I thought about getting a pair for the wife and I.

[@LazyLocations]

Thx! Yes, those are the ones you sit on. They are called “Lazy Bunz” and I invented them. 👍

[@VanOverland]

This is a great video. Make more of these! I want to restore this exact boat next. How do you make the throttle easier to use? New cable for that as well?

[@LazyLocations]

There’s an adjustment on the throttle, or at least other throttles I’ve seen. I haven’t tried to adjust this one but I’m pretty sure you probably don’t need new cables.

[@VanOverland]

@@LazyLocations awesome! Thanks!

[@Salty_004]

Why not go with hydraulic steering?

[@capp6213]

Just bought a 82 17 Montauk and steel wheel feels a little loose. Any suggestions to tighten?

[@LazyLocations]

Start with disconnecting the motor from the steering arm and seeing if it still occurs. Also, make sure the steering wheel is tightened properly (the nut that secures it to the steering unit).

[@AlphaBobFloridaOverlord]

The other thing to check is does your Teleflex cable move around under the consult. I believe it needs to be reasonably fastened otherwise it flexes under the consul where it comes out of the steering box and that will cause some slop in your steering. Also check the length of your Teleflex cable. Someone installed a 19 foot cable on my 1985 17 foot Montauk and that’s one of the causes of the slop in my steering. I’ve read that the 1980s Montag’s originally ship with a 17 foot cable and that most people replace that cable with an 18 foot.

[@spinfish1434]

Nice video, a *Bore brush, (shotgun cleaning kit) would work great to clean the steering tube. Identical type brush you have there, you can order separately, inexpensive.

[@LazyLocations]

Glad you liked it and great idea! Thanks for letting me know!

[@duconce]

A bore snake for a shotgun, you can pull it thru

[@Kim-yl7yg]

Why don't you have a swim step up ladder ?

[@LazyLocations]

Because I use a ladder that I hang over the gunwale. I also don't like drilling holes into the hull unless needed. Plus, I'm 6'4" so using one of the swim platform ladders is tough. If anything, I'd use a mount that a ladder clips into.

[@Kim-yl7yg]

@@LazyLocations Oh,ok.