throttle cable length for 20' sf

[WillyC]

Anybody know what length throttle cables to purchase for a 20' sf with an outboard on the transom. I've taken some quick measurements and think about 16' will work. Obviously too short wont work at all but what about a little too long. Any draw back for getting about a foot longer than I think I need. Thanks -will

[Blue197320]

will
if i remember correctly for my 20 sf i bought 18' cables. its got a little more slack in the splashwell then id like but its not way too much.

[WillyC]

Thanks Blue. I may go with 17 foot.

[muddywater]

JMHO, but I was thinking they come in 1 ft increments because adding loops and bends adds to the difficulty in steering or shifting. I don't know if the 78's (that is what you have right?) are set up the same as the 72's. I have this really small channel cut into my starboard stringer that my steering cables run through and I was really surprised to find that my steering cable was only like 12 ft with no room for error because as soon as it comes out of that channel it makes a very hard bend to go out the side of the splashwell to the motor. The throttle cables I think were maybe a little longer, but pretty much just went directly from the console to a huge nasty gouge cut in my splashwell. That gave a little room for extra unlike the steering cable. How were you planning on routing the cable?

Btw, that throttle you gave me worked. Thanks! It was MUCH easier to install than the old type because I did not have to take the whole thing apart to connect the cables. I did not get a chance to try it out yet though because I spent the whole weekend working on the transom. I will have to post pics sometime on how NOT to fill holes in your transom (I am learning though).

-Muddy

[muddywater]

I just got home and measured my throttle and steering cables. The steering cable was exactly 12 ft plus an additional 1'3" for the attached bar that goes through the motor mount (I don't know if that is included or not). There was ZERO free play/extra cable on the steering cable. The throttle cable on the other hand was a different matter. While still attached to the motor and run under the deck, I pulled the entire attached throttle binnacle with cable all the way midway up the front deck. It was 13'plus probably add another foot for the curve it was making to go under the deck, so about 14'-15'. Those are probably both the original cables that came with the boat. The old Merc throttle cables are still good but the steering cable was shot and the ancient steering tilt system was frozen solid. The only reason I still had it at all was so I could measure it to order a new one.

[Blue197320]

my seastar kit came with 18' hoses and they are way too long.. probably 16' for that should be ok.

[RS]

You can check your current cable for size. Usually a foot or so from the end is a series of numbers that includes the length.

[dcobbett]

I just rigged my 1976 20 SF. Standard console (centered the wheel)and the measurement as per Teleflex came out to be a little over 16'. Added 6" and ordered 17' Teleflex Extreme Cables. More than long enough (I ran the cables behind the 2S oil tank located under the starboard side stern hatch).