1998 270SE steering cable replacement

[MHorn0817]

I have a 1998 Sea Ray 270 special edition with 454 MPI and Bravo 3 drive. The steering isn't horrible but it's not as effortless as everybody else says it is especially after replacing the cable. Looking through all the maintenance records, I did not see the cable was ever replaced so I would like to go ahead and replace the cable.

I was curious if anybody has ever done it on this boat or has a manual to give me a little guidance. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[MHorn0817]

Would anybody know where the markings are on the cable to find out the part number? I did the measurements according to "Iboats" forums. Which comes out to 13.5' but that measurement did not include going up the helm so that added an additional 3' for a total of 16.5'. if that's even correct. And none of them come in half sizes so I'm not sure if I should go higher or lower.

 

[Bt Doctur]

disconnect the old, tie a cord to it, remove and measure the length

 

[MHorn0817]

Can I access the helm side by removing either or both of these panels?