Stubborn floor boards

[chuckhoenig]

Hey,

I think I need to change out my steering cable, but I can't reach it from the floorboards inside the cabin.

Is there a trick to removing the floor board from the rear storage compartment on the 21i?

I've been able to get it up so far, but I'm afraid I'm going to break the plywood.

Thanks,
Chuck

[thtrog]

Chuck,
Hopefully someone will chime in with the same boat that can help you. On my 22i I took off the motor box by first removing the hinge screws from the floor....get someone to help you lift it out of the boat. I then could find the stainless screws in the carpet that held in the first small floor panel and removed it. The larger floor piece toward the stern also two screws at the front that holds it in place....it then slides toward the bow and out. I know your boat is a little different, but I know if you get the floor panels out you won't have any trouble getting to the steering cable at the rudder. Good luck and hopefully someone with your same boat will offer help.

[zad0030]

If you are wanting to remove the floor in the rear storage to access the steering cable you will also have to remove the gas tank.

We were able to change our 21i with two people. We both are not big people, 5'6" and we were able to do it.

[thtrog]

See if this helps.... http://wakeboatworld.com/component/k...steering-cable
Nice write-up by Zad....I didn't say it before, but you have to lay down and reach back to the rudder. Just be sure you have the tools you need before you get in that position.

[zad0030]

Thanks ET.

Thats the first version I wrote, there might be a few errors. It seems Spharis updated Wakeboatworld and my official how-to was lost.

One error I noticed is that I say to turn the wheel to the Right, when I think it needs to go left, to bring the rudder closer.

[chuckhoenig]

Guys,

Thanks so much. The link is just what I needed, my boat model and everything. When I get the chance to do change it out, I will let you know how it goes.

Chuck

[andrzej77ff]

Did you tackle this project yet? I am getting ready to do mine as well in the next week or two. Also an 03 21i.

[jwanck11]

Check out the How To section of this forum...

[Roostergolf]

I have done this twice. You only need to take the motor cover off and the floor right behind the motor cover. You don't have to remove the one in the ski locker. It will take about one or two hrs. your first time. The second time you will be done in about 40 Mins. Teleflex is the brand of cable you will need. Only problem is fishing from the motor area to up under the console. It's a little tough.

Hope this helps, if you need more info, email me at corysgoodman@yahoo.com

[jwanck11]

I am not certain that you have to remove the engine hood. I didn't. Also, make sure you run from the helm back toward the rudder (having tied a rope to the cable that is removed makes this a much easier job.

Seriously, check out the How To section of this forum. There is an entire thread dedicated to changing out a steering cable.

[chuckhoenig]

Guys,

Thanks for keeping up with my thread. I haven't changed the cable yet, after a couple of trips it loosened up a bit.

Currently, I have a larger issue. My starter is bad. I dropped it last week, and until I buy and install a new one the cable will have to wait.

Thanks for all of the starter related posts. It gave me all the information I needed to be able to do the job myself.

I will let you all know when I do the cable, doesn't seem too hard, just kind of tight by the rudder.

Chuck

[andrzej77ff]

Steering cable done. It took me one hour by myself. I did not have to remove the engine cover, just the floor panel behind it. Pretty easy repair, the hardest part was putting the cover over the cables back on under the dash. I just couldn't line up the holes with the carpet covering them. Thaks for eveyones help and the great how to write ups!