i have imco hydraulic steering. all in the gimball, the pin, all is super tight in the back. the play comes from the front.
i can move the sterring a good 4-5 inches side to side before i see movement on the cable in the back engine bay. this means i have an issue up front in the cable or the sterring shaft gear ? it gets very uncomfortable at 90mph !!!!! what part or repair should i go look at ? replacing the cable because the teeth got worn or the shaft of the steering column that sit against the cable that are worn ? or is there an ajustment there ?

Replace the cable helm with a full hydraulic helm.

http://www.hardin-marine.com/c-1430-...lic-helms.aspx scroll to the bottom.

For $500 you might save a life. You modfied the boat to do 90 but left cable steering?

That is the way the boat came ! Just got it .
I took it apart today. The gear is perfect. The cable as well but I noticed that when I move the cable there is slack in the cable itself... Maybe a little worn inside or that is just the way they are....hyd to the front IS a good idea !

At 90mph, I'd say it's more than a good idea.

No adjustment in the helm or cable. At minimum I would replace both cable and helm. I have had to do this in two of my boats to tighten everything back up. A good helm and cable cost about $250. Better yet is convert to full hydraulic as others have said.