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Thread: How to choose the correct steering cable/kit for a 1988:Lowe Sea Nymph Sidewinder 175

  1. #1
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    Default How to choose the correct steering cable/kit for a 1988:Lowe Sea Nymph Sidewinder 175


    Yes, I am back…

    Older, probably not wiser and still don’t know _____ about boats!

    I am finally getting around to replacing the aforementioned steering cable on my Sea Nymph, or actually a friend is doing the work AFTER I BUY the part(s).

    it’s been strongly recommended that I purchase the correct steering Cable Kit and not just a steering cable…

    My friend got the cable off and at first we couldn’t find any identifier on the cable but that was soon remedied.

    I took the old cable to a Marine repair/parts shop and they actually found a serial number, or partial one. The cable is a HI-LEX 13 foot cable AND They recommended ordering a SAFE-T QC SINGLE CABLE ROTARY STEERING SYSTEM #SS13713 (#40611063). Not sure if it was a SeaStar or not

    Now I had already reached out to SeaStar and they finally late Friday called back and said, NO, I need to order a different Steering cable kit - SS14713 STEERING KIT, NO FEEDBACK (4.2 ROTARY STEERING SYSTEM.

    Again, all the recommendations come from entities who haven’t seen the boat BUT at least the first person saw the cable. Now my friend who is doing the repair says that neither of the two cable steering kits appear to have cable end that has like a “T” end - and maybe that’s not necessary IF YOU USE THE KIT???

    The old cable had a number of cracks in the outside cover and was unmovable. Here are pictures of the cable end below.

    So I need a NEW STEERING CABLE and I agree that a kit makes sense BUT I’ve got to choose between the one recommended by the Marine Repair Shop.

    One recommended by the manufacturer (SeaStar).

    AND to make matters even more confusing, I ALSO reached out to Lowe Boats late Friday and they came back at me and said that their people agreed with what the marine Repair Shop suggested…

    And my buddy is concerned that none of the recommended cables (or steering cable kits have what he calls a “T” at the end of the cable that goes into the steering wheel area like what you see in the picture below…



    I asked Lowe to recheck their recommendation and hopefully hear
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    Finally, my buddy said that when he removed the cable it used pop rivets that he had to grind off AND HE NOTES THE KITS both have bolts where the OEM busted cable was riveted.

    Thoughts anyone?

    Is there anyone else I should consult with at a different forum?

    Thank you all in advance!

  2. #2
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    Well I just heard back from the General Manager of Lowe's Boats and they confirmed what they told me last week. So hopefully that will work.

    I will update as developments occur.

    PS Hopefully, one down, another to go...

    Thank you LOWE!

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    As I stated earlier, I am at best a novice when it comes to repairs and mostly ignorant about the mechanics of a boat and its motor.

    So I reached out to the seller and was lucky to get someone who explained things in terms I understood. It seems that both kits would work BUT they were built for maybe two types of engines. So what does he do, and I act on? He suggested a third kit and I ordered that!!

    I bought a "Uflex ROTECH13FC Rotech Steering System 13ft"...

    Why?

    He suggested it was what would work best on my boat and provide a dependable service. The part arrives Saturday.
    .
    Wish me luck!
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    Good luck!
    HOI Crappie Club
    Where family and friends come to compete for a little more than bragging rights.

    Quick, someone teach me how to fish so I can win this tournament!!!

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    Sometimes the real bugger is removing the steering wheel at the helm. Some steering wheels get destroyed in the process, despite penetrant, pullers, patience, and all other nice things that lead up to flared tempers and slugging it like Babe Ruth with an improvised flogging tool.
    It really soothes things a little when unsuspecting people later comment something like "Nice steering wheel - is it new?"

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    Damn, I thought I had replied with an update.

    Anyway, my friend Benny got the cable installed Sunday and the biggest issue he had was that the new part the steering wheel iand cable is now attached to required a larger hole and said he had to hack a hole to make it work. I guess that's why they include a LARGE cap to go between the steering wheel and the console.

    In fact, he sent me a video showing the motor that hadn't been started in nearly three years fire up and then easily turn side to side.

    So that kit worked, and, hopefully, works well in the future. Next, it's getting the entire boat power washed, cleaned and put back together.

    I then plan to do some wiring update, replacements and install additional LED lighting, etc. BUT AFTER the early waterfowl season which begins next Wednesday.

    Bad thing is money is tight and right now I'm sitting at the repair shop where I'm being told my new (used) Chevy Trailblazer (bought in May) desperately needs new ball joints...to the tune of $1250!!!!

    Seems they add around a 65% markup on the retail parts price, which I'm not use to.

    My Dark Cloud continues...

    Thank you all for ALL the responses and counsel.

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    Quote[ Bad thing is money is tight and right now I'm sitting at the repair shop where I'm being told my new (used) Chevy Trailblazer (bought in May) desperately needs new ball joints...to the tune of $1250!!!! ]Quote

    If that service writer gave you His card, is His name, by chance, "Ben Dover"?

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    LOL.

    Not quite but they did work on it for 8 hours. I was picked up around 6pm, paid the bill (BUT used a 10% off coupon!!!) and when I pulled out the ABS warning light came on. Did a u-turn and they couldn't figure out what was going on, so they gave me a loaner and will call tomorrow.

    Whew!

    Ten percent is better than nothing. The labor was suppose to be for 7 hours but they started on before 10 AM, worked on it till after 6 pm, and will continue till its done tomorrow...I hope!

    One good thing happened tonight. Went to eat at local restraint and had just sat down when an older couple came in on canes, and the owner asked me if I could relocate to a two person booth so they could be seated (they wouldn't fit in the booth) and I agreed as it was not a problem. Then it seems the owner and the couple vied for who would pay for my meal. I felt guilty as they left before I knew what they had done. Good people, both here at Cafe and that couple.

    What a night. What a day...

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    Quote Originally Posted by zettler View Post
    LOL.

    Not quite but they did work on it for 8 hours. I was picked up around 6pm, paid the bill (BUT used a 10% off coupon!!!) and when I pulled out the ABS warning light came on. Did a u-turn and they couldn't figure out what was going on, so they gave me a loaner and will call tomorrow.

    Whew!

    Ten percent is better than nothing. The labor was suppose to be for 7 hours but they started on before 10 AM, worked on it till after 6 pm, and will continue till its done tomorrow...I hope!

    One good thing happened tonight. Went to eat at local restraint and had just sat down when an older couple came in on canes, and the owner asked me if I could relocate to a two person booth so they could be seated (they wouldn't fit in the booth) and I agreed as it was not a problem. Then it seems the owner and the couple vied for who would pay for my meal. I felt guilty as they left before I knew what they had done. Good people, both here at Cafe and that couple.

    What a night. What a day...
    Mechanic work is certainly expensive.
    The love for fishing is one of the best gifts you can pass along
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    You reminded me of a friend telling me a couple of weeks ago that He rushed into a small café for lunch, and an attractive lady came in, looked around, and asked if she could sit with Him. Open tables everywhere, my Buddy said "Sure, have a seat". Wonderful conversation, laughs galore, then at time to go She said "You have just made my day. I am so glad we met, I just knew you were a very special person". My Buddy said "I enjoyed it too, and you really did make me feel special. Thanks for everything". She said, "Oh, the pleasure was mine, you were totally irresistible, and you really and truly look exactly like my Grandfather".

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