TOPIC: Cable Pulley Steering

Howdy, I am putting new tiller cable in my 1959 Thompson lapstrake boat for the 1958 Johnson 50 HP outboard motor. I removed the old cable and am installing the new cable. I just realized there are NO springs like I have seen on every single other boat-motor with this type of steering set up. I assume the boat has been this way for a long, long time. Are springs necessary?

Andreas - confused in Peshtigo

Maybe not necessary, but certainly a good idea.The springs are to keep tension on the cable. Some guys run one spring, most run two. With two springs you can develop a "speed wobble". With one spring you will need to offset the wheel slightly to compensate for the spring pulling in one direction. So if you put the spring on starboard side, turn wheel to port before installation. Compress the spring with a tie strap, install and cut the strap.
Cheers
Bill

Thanks. Every boat I have rigged in the past has used two springs. I just started on this boat and was following what had been there and realized, "Wait a cotton pickin minute, there are NO springs on this system. That's weird". I guess some previous owner did it incorrectly.

Andreas

I'd use 2, but i run I/O's, what do I know?

You like in Peshtigo now?

I assume no show in Marinette?

jimandros wrote: I'd use 2, but i run I/O's, what do I know?

You like in Peshtigo now?

I assume no show in Marinette?

Yes I am in Peshtigo right now. Working at the office and soon I'll go out into the factory to work on a boat.

There is NO Thompson Boat Rally in 2020. It is held every other year and the next one is in 2021.

Andreas

I got er done yesterday and I used two springs.

Thanks for the responses.

Andreas