Tight steering- cause???

[ruprick]

I have a 1989 Ski Nautique 2001 with 351w. Great boat, but steering seems tight. Tried greasing rudder arm with marine grease but still hard to turn. I'm testing when its up on the trailer so I assume it should move fairly easy. Do you think bad cable? Steering wheel gearbox??


Thanks

[shag]

Sounds like it's time to replace the cable to me. Ever any saltwater use? even once?

[Fluid63]

Sure sounds like the cable to me, disconect the cable from the rudder arm to check if the rudder moves freely, then turn your steering wheel to see if its still tight, if its still tight it will be your cable.

[swc5150]

I have a 1989 Ski Nautique 2001 with 351w. Great boat, but steering seems tight. Tried greasing rudder arm with marine grease but still hard to turn. I'm testing when its up on the trailer so I assume it should move fairly easy. Do you think bad cable? Steering wheel gearbox??


Thanks

It's your steering cable. If you're handy in the garage, you can handle this one without dealership intervention. It took me about 45 minutes to swap my last cable out, and that was my first attempt.

[DanielC]

Even freshwater use can make a steering cable stiff. If you let water build up in the bilge, and the level of the water gets above the rudder end of the cable, the water works its way into the cable, made of steel. Steel and water, makes rust.

[scott resick]

the steering in my 86 got stiff before the cable broke at speed. careful under power until you replace it. I did mine on my own, I remember having a tougher time than swc5150 but hes probably a better mechanic. I think I had trouble keeping the rudder and steering wheel straight??? something about it was tricky, it was years ago.