The lightweight solution for professionally managed boats. Dyneema steering cables requires regular inspection, but offer an edge when every ounce counts. Instead of cable clamps, steering cables are spliced by the installer to tensioning eyes via a luggage tag (aka "cow hitch"), which allows you to pre-attach the cable to the adjusting eye and then install the adjusting eye in the quadrant or radial.
Kits include:
- One chain with 2 master links, 2 cable adapters, and 2 shrink wraps
- Two lengths of Marlow SK-99 Dyneema - one end spliced to chain, one end raw
- Tensioning eyes
Chain-side ends of the Dyneema are pre-attached to the chain with rope-friendly chain adapters, and shrink wrapped for wear prevention. Tail ends of rope require user splicing to final length - see video below on making this very easy splice.
Cable lengths refer to the length prior to splicing for the tensioning eyes (same concept as 7x19 wire kits) – allow 2 feet for splicing.
When sizing cables to length, tension eyes should have at least 50% of adjustment range left when first installed. Splices need to be set. A lashing may also be used between the splice and tensioning eye for more flexibility (a low-friction ring in the spliced eye is recommended in this case). Expect to adjust tension eyes immediately after first use, and periodically after. Do not install immediately before using the boat in a situation where the tension eyes will not be able to be adjusted.
Sheave condition and alignment is more critical with Dyneema cables than with wire. Make sure alignment is perfect or Dyneema cables will suffer premature wear. Sheave surfaces need to be smooth with no burrs prior to installing Dyneema cables - replace worn sheaves.
Inspect Dyneema steering cables daily.
Dyneema is not recommended for use in conduit steering systems.
Splicing instruction video from Marlow Ropes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZ8YnYB8D2I
