Intermittent tight Steering

[Texan1554]

Alright, so the boat is a fairly new to me 02 SANTE. In past trips on the water the steering felt a little tight when turning all the way right and all the way left. As if it was just getting "sticky" when turned all the way. However normal steering was simple two finger movement.

Well last night after an evening set I'm putting the boat back on the trailer and the steering suddenly gets very stiff. Two hands turning stiff. I bail from my line to the trailer and take make a circle playing with it, then suddenly the steering loosens back to what it felt like before, nice and two finger easy.

The boat only has 200 hrs on it and most every boat I've had that the cable needed replacing the steering gradually got worse over time. The low hours and age of the boat make me think there may be some lube issues or just gunk build up. Thoughts?



Also, there is no mention nor explanation of the steering system in any of the manuals I have. I've done the searches here and it seems I should innitially undo the connection between the rudder and cable to isolate the issue... If I can get it to repeat itself. As far as cable lubrication or checking for something that maybe rubbing the cable or have fallen into it's path that should be cleaned or removed... where do I check, and what needs to be moved or removed to inspect this?

Obviously all help is greatly appreciated.

[Chexi]

A. It sounds like your steering was stuck on something. Check your bilge.
B. Are you absolutely sure your boat only has 200 hours on it? Are your gauges analog or digital?

[Texan1554]

Pulled the boat on incline just after and pulled the plugs. Did not see anything come out of note, was holding some darker colored water though that again lead to my thought I need to get in there and clean, not just the steering cable.

Yes, had the watersports complex (used to be a nautique dealer) in Houston give the boat and motor a look over pre-sale. Hooked the computer up (boat has the excalibur 330 not GT-40) 189 hrs.

[swc5150]

I just replaced the steering cable on my '08 w/ 150hrs, which isn't completely uncommon.

[Chexi]

Hmm... Was the excalibur 330 an option in 2002? I didn't think it was, but there are others here who can answer that question definitively (or you could request a build sheet from Correct Craft). That engine could be a replacement for a blown Ford. I think you may have an engine with 189 hours but a boat with more.

[NautiqueJeff]

Hmm... Was the excalibur 330 an option in 2002? I didn't think it was, but there are others here who can answer that question definitively (or you could request a build sheet from Correct Craft). That engine could be a replacement for a blown Ford. I think you may have an engine with 189 hours but a boat with more.

Yes, late 2002.

[DanielC]

First, take out the panels on the sides of the engine compartment, and get down into the bilge, where the rudder port is, and see if there is a grease fitting to lubricate the rudder shaft. You may find a tube attached to the rudder port, leading to a more easily accessible grease fitting.
While you are under there, look for loose hoses, and other stuff that may be getting caught in the Pittman arm.

If a boat sits with water in the bilge, and the level of the water gets above the end of the steering cable, water gets into the steering cable, and makes the parts rust or corrode. That will make you have to replace the steering cable more often.

Ford quit making the 351 engine sometime in the 1990's. PCM bought all that were available, and their supply ran out in 2002. I believe the GM engine was the standard offered engine in 2002, but early in the 2002 model year, you could order the GT-40 Ford engine. By the end of the 2002 model year, you no longer had that choice, it was GM only

[Texan1554]

Daniel, thanks for the info. I'll take a look. The water has never been that high on my watch but again I've only had it a few months.

The boat was actually purchased and did not roll off a nautique lot until early 2003 so the late year switch to the 330 makes since.

[kileyb]

My '92 Excel started doing that at the beginning of summer. I purchased the boat at the end of the season last year and didn't notice it being too bad during the test drive. After a couple days of heavy use at a summer camp it would get really tough to turn, two hands required, then it's like it would break loose and be fine for a while. Things have progressed to the point that's it's hard to turn all the time. Yesterday out on the lake my father in law was driving while I was trying to learn to wakesurf. He mentioned the steering was skipping, like a tooth in a cog was missing or something. I drove it the rest of the day and noticed it getting worse and worse. Today when we went to put it on the trailer I could barely control the boat. I had to let off the throttle to take pressure off the rudder and then turn the steering wheel, otherwise it acted like it was stripped out. No more boating this summer until I order a new cable I guess. It looks like they are about $350 so if anyone knows a good place to get a good price I'm all ears.

[NautiqueJeff]

This is the one you want. Use the PlanetNautique discount for an additional 10% off!

http://www.nautiqueparts.com/steerin...91and1992.aspx