The tag on my boat says its rated for 150HP with dual steering and 125 with single steering.

Does that mean dual or single steering cable? and is it possible to get by with a 150 if I have a single cable?

Yes. It is the number of cables. I was told the bigger the engine the more the need for the dual cables. I dont know if the 150 is too big to use single.

thanks bassaholic...

would it be illegal to use a 150 with single steering?
If so... Could i just take off the hp rating plate?

that's weird. i've "honestly" never seen a rating plate with that kind of information on it.

as far as the singe cable, vs. the dual cable on a 150hp engine. it really depends on what year the engine is.

the older engines don't make a true 150hp at the prop shaft, so single cable steering is probably okay.
the newer engines make more than the 150hp at the prop shaft, so the need for dual cable steering is an absolute MUST!!

if the rating plate is a coast guard rating plate, do not take it off!

Dont the dual cables take out the torque felt at the wheel with the bigger engines?? I've heard something like that. My boat has a dual cable system and is rated for a 200. I have never seen a plate specify hp based on number of steering cables either. Mine does list a wide range of hp though, 115-200hp.

Nothing much takes the torque that you feel at the steering wheel away except hydraulic steering.

the dual cable (rotary No Feedback) systems help eliminate some torque, but NOT all of it, as bassart said.

The setup is the what takes out more torque than anything!

course the hydraulic eliminates most of it. However, i must say this. The torque IS still there, the hydraulic systems just absorb it, making the boat easier to turn.
the key is setup,setup,setup.