Control Cable Replacement Problem

[dougc]

Need some advice on replacing control cables on my 1998 Model 1801 (at least I think it's a 1801 - Hull # PXMBA66B999). I'm trying to pull in two new cables with no luck. Seems to be hitting something in the pathway. Does anyone know if the livewell/seat support can be removed and how? That may give me access to the area where the fuel tank and cable paths are located. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[BradV]

I wouldnt bother taking up the livewell. Rigging a boat sucks but its part of it. Use your old control cable and cut the sleeve off and youll be left with a real skinny stainless wire. Use that to snake through then use electrical tape to tape it to the new one and have one person push the new cable as someone pulls on the old cable.

 

[dougc]

Unfortunately, I probably have to remove the live well. I pulled a pull string in when I removed the old cables and used it to try to pull in the new cables. Got about three feet in and the new cable is stuck and won't pull back or forward. Feels like it's hung up on something. My only options at this point is to cut an access hole in the deck (which I really don't want to do) or use an existing access hole (hopefully there is one under the live well) to free up the cable. Yea, you're right. Rigging a boat does suck. What should have been a simple job is turning into a real problem!

How do I remove the live well? I removed the screws around the base but it won't budge. I know that I will have to remove the drain (not sure how to do that) and the fresh water connection from the pump in the bilge. Any other hints would be helpful.

 

[Capt Bill Welder]

Sounds like you tried to pull both cables at the same time? Since I am not that smart I only do one at a time.
Are you doing this by yourself?
Although it can be done by one person it is (always easier for me) to have one person pushing and the other person pulling.

I would not give up on what you have now. I would try to get what you have now out and start over with one cable at a time. One pushing and one pulling.

Even better is 3 people.
One pulling, one pushing and me watching!

 

[seabob4]

I'll be honest with you guys. I have rigged more boats than most, probably around 3000 in 16 years. If you can't get an old shift/throttle cable (my snake) through a rigging tube from the bilge to the helm, something is seriously effed up...

 

[dougc]

Thanks for the advise. Took another route and removed the top of the gunwale at the rear to allow room to twist cable and feed properly. Worked like a charm. Now all if have to do is recaulk and reinstall the gunwale cap and I'm there. Boy that's a relief.

Thanks again for all the great advise. See on the water.