www.iFourWinns.com

I have a lot of play in the steering wheel ( a quarter turn), so I had a local mechanic look at it. He said I need a steering cable and helm. Is there anywhere on the internet I can go to see what I am getting into. (I did try U-tube) or is it better to have the mechanic take care of it ? Can anyone recommend someone in Sonoma County, California that is familiar with Four Winns boats ?

Boat is a 2001 278 Vista, 8.1L engine, Kohler generator in front of cable path.

I believe some of this was covered in this thread, or the other thread mentioned in this one. It might get you started anyway.

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=10325&p=98987&hilit=bliss36+steering+cable#p98987

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Jack
2005 268 Vista - Sold

2001 Silverton 35C 8.1L Crusaders

I can't speak for your exact model but it is not a bad job at all if you are mechanically inclined. The key is to tape the new cable to the old cable and as you gently push and guide it through the bulkheads have a friend pulling lightly from the other end. You will probably have to loosen some cable clamps along the path. The new helm will come with instructions how to feed the cable into it.

Edit: Just realized you might have accidentally typed 278 instead of 268 which confused me on what model you had. If you drop the ceiling above your head in the mid cabin(3 screws) you will have a great view of how the cable is run. Also pulling out the right cup holder at the helm station can give you a nice view of the helm. Once you pull the new cable through I recommend sealing around it with Great Stuff at the engine room bulkhead to prevent fumes from getting into your cabin. It is a short run and with a little help from an assistant you should be able to install it yourself and save some $$. Good Luck!

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Our Boating Blog: http://ben-dana.blogspot.com/

2005 268 Vista "Sea Pickle II"
1979 AMF Alcort Puffer
Previous:
2003 FW190 Horizon
1973 Startcraft 18ft "Sea Pickle"

Bliss36,
Thank you for the info on installing the new cable, that will save me a lot of guess work. I do have a 268 not a 278. (sometimes the keys are to close together) I will order the parts and give it a try. This is my first cabin cruiser, I have a lot to learn.
Thanks again for the info.

like Ben said it is not a bad replacement. I did one in a 268 for a friend and it only took about an hour and a few beers

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"Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes "

1996 238 Vista dlx "Casper's Toy Too"
2006 5.0GXI w/closed cooling, DP-sm 1.95 drive
Previous boat:
1998 Sundowner 205

An hour or so and a couple of beers sounds good to me . Thanks Neutron.