Measuring Control Cables

Written by Todd S. Go2marine/LFS Tech Support

New Cable Installation

Not sure what your new cable number is?

Check out our cable cross reference page. It lists old Morse and Teleflex numbers and the replacement for them.

A-Gunwale to center of transom

B-Dash to Transom

C-Centerline of Wheel to Gunwale

Measure A + B + C = Length then round up to the nearest foot. Control cables are sold by the foot up to 30' and above that it even numbers only.

Steering cable installations through the engine tilt tube: Add A, B and C plus 6" the round to the nearest foot

Steering cables mounted to the transom or stringer Add A, B and C then subtract 6" and round up to the nearest foot

Control cables should be measured from tip to tip

Replacing Existing Cables

If you can locate a part number on the old cable. If the cable is removed already measure it for the length of the new cable.

Rotary Steering Cable: Measure existing cable, plastic jacket in inches and add 18" the round up to the next foot.

Jet Boat Cable: Measure old cable from tip to tip, round up to next foot if needed.

Rack Steering: Measure existing cable, length of plastic jacket in inches and add 30" then round up to the next foot

If you can locate a part number on the cable it will contain the length of the cable. Ex: CCX63320 is a 20' cable Ex: 032377-03-240, the 240 is in inches convert it to feet and its 20'

Cable types and meanings of the most common control cables, XX is length of cable

CC179XX is 1965 to present Mercury Engine

CCX433XX is a universal type cable meaning it has 1/4-28 threaded ends for your existing control ends (engine and transmission) you remove your old ends and attach them to the new cable.