95 Nautique steering and impeller

[BadgerNautique]

My 95 Ski Nautique has gotten really stiff steering. I put the boat in after a long winter and could barely turn the wheel. It was a little chilly that day - around 45 degrees - but I don't think that should hinder the steering. It took both arms to turn the boat.
How can I loosen this up?

Also, where do you buy replacement impellers? I wanted to put in a PCM part.

Thanks

[NautiqueJeff]

RE: 95 Nautique steering and impeller

The most likely cause of your steering issues is a corroded steering cable. It will need to be replaced. Once you do that, your steering should be able to be done with one finger.

Your impeller can be found here.

[Timcallaghan]

RE: 95 Nautique steering and impeller

I`ve had a similar problem on my 94SNOB the cable had ceased at the rudder end. I disconnected it used WD40 or similar to lossen the corrosion and with a little work it broke free then I just applied some marine grade grease to the rod and I haven`t had the problem since.While the end is disconnected from the rudder turn the rudder by hand to ensure it is not the problem.Having said that I have had similar steering set ups on an outboard and the problem was that it had corroded in the cable as NautiqueJeff said. I have worked one free by soaking it in diesel and then working the cable by hand but it was alot of work. If you want to get on the water fast install a new one.

Hope this Helps

[Mikeski]

RE: 95 Nautique steering and impeller

These years are notorious for needing cables when the steering gets stiff. It probably rusted over the winter.

[Chopper]

RE: 95 Nautique steering and impeller

Salt water seems to sieze them up good in no time. We were in a hurry on day and decised to let a fatsac with some reasonably salt water go into the bilge. obviously it submerged the steering cable, because a couple of months after that, the steering was very stiff.

We won't do that again.!

Replace the cable. Soak the old one and keep it as a spare.