I have a 1983 Evinrude 35 HP. The steering got super tough recently. I troubleshot it down to the cable. It is in pretty bad shape. Its a 12 ft. cable with threaded fittings on both ends. I got the part number off the cable, and its nowhere to be found, Nothing with threaded fittings on both ends. So I'm going to have to change the cable and the Rotary helm out.
My question is...Are these rotary steering kits universal. Will I be able to shop and find the best deal on a 12 ft. rotary steering system and be sure the cable will attach to the motors steering attachments and have the steering wheel fit to the helm? This is the first time changing it out and could use a little advice on these kits.

no they make several types of rotary systems and also several different manufacturers you are probably going to end up buying a complete system including the helm you might try craigslist and look under boat parts and maybe find a good used system cheap

Yeah, that’s what I was planning on doing. Buying a kit. The kit includes the cable and helm. I’m just wondering if everything will fit at the motor end. Will all the connections at the motor end will receive the new cable and fittings. Is that hardware universal or is it made for each type of motor.

You should have what is called a "linkage arm" . The end of the cable should have a solid round stock section that goes thru the steering tube on the outboard. Where it sticks out of the far end of the steering tube, on the end of the steering cable, you will attach the steering linkage. The end of the steering linkage attached to the steering pivot on your outboard need not be disconnected. If you are lucky, the end of the old cable and the end of the new cable will be the same. Those are rather standard, so if old cable and new one are the same brand, the cable end connection is probably identical.

all steering cables are the same at the engine end

Thank you my friend. I’ll go ahead and get one ordered today.

Cool. My cable is a teleflex cable. I’ll make sure the kit I order uses teleflex cables. Thank You.

I can get you a good deal on a 12ft rotary

I got a new system for $120. Went in too easy. Not very painful at all.