2017 Prostar steering effort, is the cable shot?

[Jaypro]

My 2017 Prostar steering got really sticky/notchy over the last 6 weeks or so. I have 450 hours on it, is the steering cable shot? are there any suggestions out there?

[Horton]

450 hours? Likely need new cable. I'm not exactly sure what the factory recommended interval is for steering cables but I don't think it's a good idea to push the limits. Breaking a steering cable in any boat is wicked scary and dangerous.

[Moved2ski]

Yep, time to change. Fairly easy . Goes best if you have a friend who has done it before help. Several tutorials on line.

[RichardDoane]

I'd lube the rudder first, then see if steering cable still feels sticky

[dbutcher]

My 2015 boat has 430 hours, and the steering feels like new. Maybe that's because I lube the rudder every 25 hours and keep the boat in a low humidity garage when not being used. Some boats don't have grease fittings on the rudder. Is that the potential cause of your steering issue?

[BlueSki]

The college team at our lake had their cable go quickly this season on their 2017 Prostar, so you are not alone. It was a quick fix, and as Horton said, not worth the risk.

[RichardDoane]

Either way you still need to lube the rudder

[BMG73]

Tip= keep your bilge dry

[Jaypro]

@RichardDoane , yes I lubed the rudder. @dbutcher as we are building a house this year, it did live outside with its mooring cover all summer, could be humidity. I think I will just replace the steering cable and be done with it/

[ProStah_Skiah]

@Jaypro have you also lubed the steering cable? There is a zerk fitting under the center floorboard in front of the rudder access port.

[MichaelWiebe]

@ProStah_Skiah

Thanks for your post. Do I understand correctly - we must remove the center rear floorboard to access the steering cable zerk fitting? This is the floor panel behind the motor.

Thanks.

[ProStah_Skiah]

@MichaelWiebe you can reach up along the steering cable and feel the zerk fitting from the rudder access port. It’s a difficult reach. The zerk is partially surrounded by a mounting bracket and four bolts. I was unable to get the grease fitting engaged from that direction.

 

I ended up removing the two rear screws from the center floorboard and lifting it a few inches. Just enough to see the zerk and to reach in with a flexible hose and 90 degree fitting. Per MC, I used white lithium grease and also coated the exposed end of the cable at the tiller end.

[6balls]

Cable doesn't cost much...do the cable, lube the rudder and feel the butter in the steering afterward. I did both of these after buying an under-used (like super low hour) Nautique and it was magic and I'll never regret it.

[Jaypro]

@6balls , I think you are right....

[DW]

For a zerkless cable I have improved cable smoothness by using ATF as a lube dripping it in at the tiller end.

[skinonstop]

My 2015 Prostar cable had a burr and locked at 390 hours, almost hit the bank.

[Rednucleus]

I had a zerk on my 95 Sanger cable. Careful how much grease you use - I found only 1/2 a grease gun pump caused the outer cable sheath to bulge.

[Mastercrafter]

Any hints on actual install process for a 14-20 Prostar steering cable? Can you pull the new one through with the old one, run a snake wire, or....? I've done plenty of older boats but the cables are a little less hidden.

I'll admit I haven't even started digging to see where the cable goes from the helm, but I have a cable to install over winter and want to make it as painless as possible.

[LeonL]

Can't speak for MC, but you can't pull the new one through with the old on a SN. The rack is attached and it ain't going nowhere, except out the front. Likewise the new one has to go in from the front.Tie a rope on the old one and pull the old one out. Leaves you a rope to pull the new one in. I've done it myself but it helps to have someone on each end.

[Jody_Seal]

yes you can pull the new cable through with the old cable. cut the rack off with a pair of bolt cutters. wala! no rack to pull through.

[LukeB]

I have changed numerous SN cables but no Mastercraft cables.  Anyone with experience and tips for changing an '18 Prostar cable?

[swc5150]

'14+ Prostar cables are easy to swap.  MC did a great job making a large tube passage for install/removal, and access to the rudder is awesome.