2006 Air Nat. SV-211, Steering Cable and Cavitation Problems

[Jake Holt]

Does anyone have any insight or infomration regarding 2 potential problems that I am experiencing with my 2006 SV-211?

1.) At the begining of this season, the steering wheel/cables/rudder where "locked" in position. This had never happened before over the off-season. I was able to free the steering system with a firm tug of the steering wheel. Also, I have notices that the steering system begins to lock up if the boat sits for more than 3 weeks. Is this a sign that the steering cables are going bad and need to be replaced? Is there a way to lubricate the steering system so this wont' happen?

2.) I was tubing some teenage kids last trip at higher speeds (around 28 or 30 mph) and was driving in a "S" pattern on flat water with a relatively light boat load (i.e. low on fuel and few passengers). During right turns only, the steering would become very stiff at the same time that the prop appeared to be cavitating. This wouldn't occur at slower speeds and I couldn't get the this to happen with a heavier load in the boat. Was this simply prop ventilation/cavitation brought on by a "balence" problem in the boat during this run? Why only on right turns? Does this occur on other SV-211's?

Thank you for your help.

[Jake Holt]

Come on....does anyone have any anwers for me? Thanks.

[eseybold]

steering cable

i just replaced my steering cable - it did the same thing before replacing. You cant lubricate it -but do check to make sure the rudder moves freely once you disconnect the old cable and the pitman arm which connects the cable to the rudder is well greased. If the rudder does not move freely it needs lube as well. I also replaced the helm base assembly at the steering wheel but that was due to excessive rattle and play of the actual steering wheel on the dash.

[waz480]

I had same problem

I bought a 2006 sv211 ,
There was alot of sloppyness free play in the steering i noticed when it was on the trailer or traveling at slow speeds,
If i weight the boat up the steering was very heavy allmost locked in one driection and easy the other way,
I got the boat quite cheap so i knew i might have to replace parts of the steering
But what i found out was a bit of a shock lol,
It's a pain to get at the steering but once i removed the starboard ballast tank and the partion i could see the pitman arm and the steering cable,
I noticed there was a second steering cable just laying under the engine sump unconnected lol,
I traced it though a channel that run diagonal thought the hull to the helm ,
Where i found the other end of the steering block unconnected lying on the ballast switch wiring how it did not pull any of the wires out the back of the plugs i will never know ,
So someone in the past had replaced the steering cable and been so layz they just unbolted the old one and pushed it out of the way ,
Anyway once i had lifted the floor under the drivers seat and competely removed both of the cables,
I found that the rudder was stiff even though i had used the grease nipple ,
So i put a block of wood under the rudder from the outside then unbloted the pitman arm clamp bolt and the bolt on top of the rudder,
Removed the block of wood and pulled the rudder out,
I found the grease had washed out of the base of the rudder and the old grease at the top had formed a seal so fresh grease could only be pumped out rather than into the rudder bearings,
I used lots of brake and clutch cleaner to wash the old grease out from all of the parts,
Then repacked it with marine grease by hand ,
Once the rudder was refitted i used the grease nipple untill i could see fresh grease coming out the top,
The rudder felt lovely now :]
Next the bracket that connected the pitman arm to the steering cable had loads of play in it and looked like a 12 year old had made it on the quick lol,
I was shocked when my Nautique dealer told me that was original part "sorry Nautique" but thankfuly there is a updated part now made of cast ali with teflon bushes and new stainless nuts and bolts ,
Next i cleaned the outer steering tube out and replaced the ball joint that connects the steering tube to the hull below the starboard engine mount ,
Now of course i repaced the steering cable and took the time to route the new cable the correct way,
Once i had rebuilt all of the steering the difference was fantastic from having all most half a turn of play i now had none,
On the water it was great i did not matter how much weight was in the boat or what speed i could steer with one finger ,
It took allmost allday to do it but was worth every minutes,
I hope this is so help,
cheers,
waz

[bj25430]

I have the same boat the 2006 SV-211. I am noticing my steering tight at the full left and right and am considering replacing the cable. How hard was that to do routing that through the boat from the steering wheel to the back of boat. I fiqure i could tie a rope on the rudder end and pull it out toward the steering wheel, then attach new cable on rope and bring it back through? I would love to be able to steer with one finger. I know the cable is due for change but wanted to check to see how much of a pain it is. Thanks !

[ski4evr]

Replace the cable. You won't believe the difference!! Not hard to do, just need someone to help grab the loose end to keep grease out of the boat. My wife and I replaced it in about an hour. One finger steering with no drag or feedback on the wheel!!!

[Mikeski]

I did mine last month too. i would not consider it an easy job if you have all 3 ballast tanks like I do. First you need to pull the starboard tank so you can even get to the rudder end. Next you need to pull the center floorboard. I had tie wraps holding the cable screwed to the stringers buried between the center tank and stringer. With some very small wire cutters I had to jamb my arm down in the space and cut the tie wraps. I don't have huge arms but they are definitely not small either so if you have a skinny friend that likes fiberglass against his skin call him for help. Once I got it free I was able to get it out easily. I replaced mine with the 6" longer teleflex Xtreme cable and feel that it's a superior cable. Hoping I won't need to do this again.