INSTALLING AN OUTBOARD RIGGING TUBE

Outboard rigging tubes help protect cables, wires and hoses from damage.

The bundle of cables, wires and hoses that extend from the boat to the outboard motor(s) delivers essential fuel, electrical power, and throttle and shift commands, as well as providing feedback to the helm on engine performance and health.

Outboard rigging tubes protect these critical connections from wear, damage and UV deterioration. The ribbed plastic conduit is flexible

enough to move as an outboard turns or tilts yet is sturdy and kink-resistant. It also makes for a tidier motor installation.

The first step is to procure the parts, which include a rigging flange (such as the Sierra Part No. 18-9761 or T-H Marine Part No. RF1CP-DP) for the point where the rigging bundle emerges from the boat, an adapter for the engine rigging port, and the tube. This will be 2or 2½-inch OD, depending

on the engine brand.

Make sure the flanges and adapters match the diameter of the rigging tube.

The tube should be long enough to easily reach between the rigging port and boat as the engine sweeps from side to side and tilts up and down. Use the length of the existing bundle between the engine and boat as a baseline, then add 2 inches. Trial-fit the tubing before you cut the hose to length.