After reading a thread recently about someones hard steering I got to thinking.  My boat is 96 and i noticed my steering at the end of last year was very hard to turn.  FishForDollars(Jack) posted that the steering cables should be checked. "You don't want to mess with bad steering cables" he stated. 

I was going to take my boat in to have the bearings replaced and some work done on the trailer (I can do it just don't have the time) so I told him to look at the cables.

Diagnosis:   They need to be replaced.  My mechanic said they should have been replaced long ago.  Price:  $550 for the kit, 4.5+ labor for a grand total of over $1000.00

Jack, I don't know whether to hug you or kick ya????  But thanks  :-? :'(

I replaced both of mine in an hour and a half last year on my skeeter. Total cost was 210.13. Eleven ft. cables is what it took.

At least you can run down the lake and not worry about being thrown from the boat or worse. Sorry it cost you an arm and a leg. I forget about the labor rates since I do most of mine myself. Bet I could have walked you through the install over the phone.

I bet you can steer it with one finger now.

I can only hope it only takes 1.5 hours.  As my mechanic explained it, For my 96 Stratos, there isn't a lot of room to navigate and the cables have to be turned and worked through the hull.  He stated that the motor would have to come off as well.  I also had to have the steering console replaced but it was all part of a kit.  I don't think he is trying to highball me.  At least he has always been straight up in the past.  He even said that if it only took him 2 hours then the price would be significantly less. 

My steering has always been a bit hard so I can't wait to have it smooth.  And, you're right, I didn't want to be flying down the lake at 60mph with my son in the boat and have it snap.

I can only hope it only takes 1.5 hours. As my mechanic explained it, For my 96 Stratos, there isn't a lot of room to navigate and the cables have to be turned and worked through the hull. He stated that the motor would have to come off as well. I also had to have the steering console replaced but it was all part of a kit. I don't think he is trying to highball me. At least he has always been straight up in the past. He even said that if it only took him 2 hours then the price would be significantly less.

My steering has always been a bit hard so I can't wait to have it smooth. And, you're right, I didn't want to be flying down the lake at 60mph with my son in the boat and have it snap.

Key word is "son". Glad you got it fixed. Keep that fishing partner on the water.

I agree.

It's just too bad you didn't have someone suggest going ahead and converting to hydraulic steering instead of replacing the cables.  It only cost a little more and is sooooo much better.