Replacing steering line with plastic coated wire cable...?

Mr. Miller, or anyone out there that's done it -- I have a 5+ yr old very well used Mirage Outback tha still has the original steering and rudder lines. Because I am in the process of mounting 2 new 30 lb thrust trolling motors to my yak, and I will be depending on my new larger rudder (81397001) for steering - I also want to replace the worn steering lines. I use my Outback for fishing; mostly in salt water; commonly 1-2 miles offshore; frequently at night. I can not afford a cable break so.... I am seriously considering using small diameter plastic coated, braided S/S wire instead of the stock line. One concern I have is the cable "cutting" though a grommet or something such - however I think the plastic coating should offer some amount of protection from that. I would like to hear from anyone that's already been there and done that, or from those with a knowledgeable opinion.

IMO, Spectra is by far your best bet. Early Hobies used a heavy monofilament that was stiff, sometimes binding in the rudder tubes and frequently kinking -- felt and operated very much like wire. The steering response was quite stiff. Spectra was a huge improvement!

Your Spectra lines have obviously served you well for several years now. It is extremely strong, flexible, and resistant to the elements. About the only thing that causes it to fail is a sharp or ragged edge. I don't think you need to replace it unless you observe some damage or wear upon careful inspection. If you do replace it, I'd recommend the same thing.

BTW, it's always good to know how to steer with a paddle. It's easy to do with a little practice. You never know when you might break a rudder pin with those high speed electric motors!

PS: IMO, two-30 lb thrust motors won't give you much more speed with the Outback than one. Doubling the thrust output on the Torqeedo resulted in about 0.1 additional MPH from 5.3 to 5.4. That's about all the boat will give you due to hull speed. Four to 4.5 MPH gives you a good combination of range and speed and 30 lb. thrust ought to just about do the job. You're much better off investing in a spare battery.

If your Outback is five plus years old, you will not be able to do a direct replacement with the large sailing rudder, part no. 81397001. The older rudders simply raised up (pointing straight back). The sailing rudder is designed for the newer design that flips up and stows on the deck.

If you've already made the purchase, you may still be able to use that rudder, but you will want to research this forum for information on how you can adapt it for use.

I followed other advice on the forum that described fashioning a sleeve larger than the original rudder that simply slips over and fastens to it.

Good luck! Either way you decide to go, the old Outbacks need the larger rudder to improve tracking.

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"If I'm not at work, I'm Outback"

gheeeezzzzzzzzzz...... I wish I had found this forum earlier! Roadrunner and ganiom, I REALLY appreciate your imput. I had reservations about twin trolling motors from the beginning, but friends assured me 2 motors would out preform 1, so.... Guess I will revise my mount and go with just 1 motor. But I do have a couple more questions if ya'll don't mind: I have two brand new 30 lb trolling motors and also a new Minn Kota 40 lb Rip Tide. Would I see any positive gain by cutting down the 40 lb and fitting it to my kayak - or just should I just use one of the inexpensive 30 lb units? Also, I'm planning on using 1 Optima D31M battery for power - unless there is a better way to go......?

And ganiom, I bought 2 Outbacks almost 6 years ago - however, one of the boats developed a crack a year or so after purchase so the dealer exchanged mine for the newer model kayak with the twist and stow rudder. This is the kayak I am rigging with a larger rudder. I do like your idea of the "sleeve" and actually planned on doing the same thing - but the price listed on the 7001 is only $23.00 - I figured it would cost me that much to modify mine.

thanks again for all the info!

Awesome, you're in good shape with the sailing rudder on the newer boat with the twist and stow! You will love the way the Outback tracks with it. For only $23 dollars, that is a great mod to make!

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"If I'm not at work, I'm Outback"

.... just a footnote I thought Roadruner might be interested in.... Your advise was incredibly accurate! Because I had already made a 2 motor bracket for my Outback, I couldn't help but try using both 30lb thrust trolling motors. I took my GPS with me so I could record my speed. With both motors running on high (5th speed) the best my empty Qutback could manage was 4.6 - 4.7 mph. Next I tried using only one motor and the speed was 4.3 - 4.4 mph. Obviously, using 2 motors would depeat the battery twice as fast as one and I only gained a couple of tenths at best over using a single 30lb trolling motor. I have no doubt you know your stuff Roadrunner - thanks again for the help!

Wildcartoo, thanks for the comments. Enjoy your new propulsion system!

Stick with spectra... remember to pull some 10lb test mono through the tubes when you remove the old stuff

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