How to Adjust the Slack in Outboard Steering

If your boat is powered by an outboard, some slack in the steering is normal and necessary. The outboard forces the boat through the water; if there's no slack in the steering, the swivel bracket of the motor mount must absorb any shock or vibration caused by the mass of the boat. Without the slack to absorb this shock, the swivel bracket will fail prematurely. Adjusting the slack properly depends on having steering cables of the correct length.

Things You'll Need

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Cotter pin
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take note of which side of the outboard's tilt tube the steering cable enters, and turn the motor the other way. For example, if the cable enters the starboard side of the tilt tube, turn the motor toward the port side of the boat.

    • 2

      Pull the cable just tight enough to fit the cable end onto the end of the steering link rod. When the cable end is attached to the steering link rod, thread the lock nut onto the steering link rod. Tighten the lock nut securely with an adjustable wrench.

    • 3

      Grasp the end of the cable that attaches to the helm and pull it just tight enough to reach the attachment point on the helm. Install the cable sheath to the helm and push the cotter pin through the hole in the end of the cable.