Frozen Steering, upgrade to hydro vs just replace cable?

[gman1001]

Hi there,

Been researching how to fix my frozen steering cable. My 18'CC boat has the original 89 tower of power which still runs great! No reason to replace but I have to admit I was ready to sell this boat when the steering failed. (I disconnected steering linkage and motor swings free)

Through this forum I've learned that frozen steering is common on this motor. I've also learned that installing hydro is not all that difficult and only a slight premium over a new standard cable. (assuming cable is 2-300. Hydro 5-600)

Would appreciate thoughts on my thinking here. My current cable is totally frozen in the motor. I cant seem to free it. If it can be removed from the motor mount will the new Hydro linkage/parts require I use the same motor mount housing? If so will they too be prone to freezing/corrosion?

Wondering if all this is worth it for such an old motor, even if it does run so strongly.

Tx all!