Rudder Cable tubing 15'

Rudder cable tubing is the nylon sleeve your rudder cable runs inside, from the cockpit to the stern. It protects the cable, keeps it out of your gear, and gives it a smooth low-friction path so the pedals feel light.

It Is a Kit, Not Just Tubing

Our item name undersells what is in the box. This is the full kit:

• Two 15 ft sections of tubing — enough for both runs on one boat

• Ten 3/16" UL cable clamps to secure the runs inside the hull

So you are not buying a length of pipe and then hunting for clamps. One box does the whole boat.

Size

• Outside diameter 3/16"

• Inside diameter 5/32"

• Nylon, black

• Made in the USA

That 5/32" bore is sized for 1/16" rudder cable, which we also sell by the foot. If you are rebuilding a rudder system, doing both at once is the sensible order of work.

Why Replace the Tubing At All

Because old tubing is usually why a rudder feels heavy. Over years the nylon stiffens, the bore roughens, and salt and grit work inside. The result is friction — you push the pedal and the rudder moves reluctantly.

People replace the cable, find the pedals still feel notchy, and conclude the rudder is worn out. Nine times in ten the tubing was the problem.

Fitting

Route it in smooth curves. Every tight bend is friction, and a kinked run will ruin the feel no matter how good the cable is. Clamp it at intervals so it cannot flop around and chafe against a bulkhead or the inside of the hull, and leave the ends where you can get at them.

Details

• Rudder cable tubing kit

• 2 x 15 ft nylon tubing, 3/16" OD / 5/32" ID, black

• 10 x 3/16" UL cable clamps

• Made in the USA

At our Clearwater shop, with 1/16" stainless cable on the reel to match.