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Old 02-07-2010, 11:32   #1
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New Steering Line / Cable Advice

Hello again..

I am in the market for new steering line for our FP Belize 43 Catamaran. Factory equipped it came with line that I believe is called "Spectra" It broke and I replaced it with galvanized cable. Well, that turned out to be a bummer as well.

I have been looking for Spectra cable, but have found nothing that resembles the factory line. Can anyone provide a dealer or some alternative ideas for the steering cable on this vessel?

Much thanks,
Meck
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Old 03-07-2010, 07:28   #2
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Spectra line is similar to steel cable in strength and elasticity but has additional problems with minor chafe, radius of turn (sheave diameter) and possible UV degradation.
- - I would stay away from galvanized steel cables in a salt air environment. They are relatively softer and stretch more than using stainless steel cable. But any metal cable will probably/might require replacement of the sheaves as the sheave material for wire cable is different from those designed for rope/line. Other than that wire is what is used on most all boats that are not using hydraulic steering or pipe/rod steering systems.
- - Think about an easy system of adjusting the tension of the wire cable before switching. Wire will slowly stretch over time and you will need to "tighten" the cable to take slack or sag out. Same thing with any area where the wire passes through a bulkhead you need to consider abrasion - especially if the wire can contact other pipes, cables, wiring.
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Old 03-07-2010, 09:20   #3
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Check out this Belize 43 discussion
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ral-32010.html

Under the Fountaine Pajot heading
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f136/
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Old 03-07-2010, 09:28   #4
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I'd look into using Dynex Dux--there are a few threads on it on this forum.
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