Anyone upgrade their Classics Steering?

[CAGE RATTLER]

Went to launch my AJ this past weekend and found the steering was locked up. Disconnected it at the stern to make sure it wasn't the drive and the drive turns easy so must be the cable. Looks like the original cable in there. Only marking I could find was HEAVY DUTY RIDE GUIDE 20 ft 6 in.
Havent disconnected it from the helm yet and not quite sure how to. Is the entire bar (rack?) part of the cable?

Do they even make replacements anymore?

From what I have been reading, I may need to replace the helm and cable to something different.
Been thinking about upgrading to a hydraulic system from Sea Star but that will be about $1000. (may add an auto pilot down the road)
Will probably go the cheaper route right now and go with another mechanical setup but just not sure what would be best for my boat and looking for suggestions and pros and cons for each.

Any and all info would be greatly appreciated!

Hopeing to get something ordered and installed by this weekend.

 

[fletcho5]

had mine on my 270 amberjack freeze up about two years ago heated shaft with a propane torch were the cable goes through and the steering arm hooks up while a friend put pressure on the steering wheel and it popped loose greased steering shaft while turning it back and forth been great ever since more grease since than 2


good luck fletch

 

[War Eagle]

I'm going to hydraulics for a lot of reasons - (including future auto pilot). If you shop around you can pick up components at a fair price - but if you are in a hurry - forget it. Just put a new Teleflex Safe T planetary push/pull system on the tender - 40 hp. First one I've mess with - really pretty slick.

 

[CAGE RATTLER]

I went ahead and ordered all the components for a hydraulic system.they are actually being delivered tomorrow. Got everything except the fluid. Figured I could get that local. Yes I'm a little impatient...lol. shopped around and marineengineparts.com had some decent prices and they are in NY and the site said everything was in stock and would ship same day. Wasn't going to order if I couldn't get them before the weekend.

Still might give the heat the shaft option a try. Nice tip. Bet that will work fine to free it up. I was afraid to put to much pressure on the wheel when trying to break it loose. If that works I can wait and pick a windy weekend to install the hydraulics.

 

[SCORPIO]

You can still get those cables, I had one on my previous boat that I replaced. Google that cable and you can find sources for it.
Let us know how the hydraulic upgrade goes, sounds like a good idea.