Steering Problems

[cjohnsen1611]

Looking for some advice before I start tearing the boat apart. While driving at speeds slower than 5 mph the steering is easy to turn and doesn't seem to have any problems. Once underway the steering is very tight and hard to turn to the right. When I turn to the left it is very easy. Would this be a steering cable issue? I've talked to a few people and they said it could be the rudder packing. I looked around the rudder and there are no fittings to lube the rudder or steering cable. I would think if it was the steering cable it would be hard to turn both ways not just one. The boat is a 2003 super air nautique signature series. Any help would be awesome! Thank you

[DLafont]

Perhaps power steering issue? Not sure if that can even be possible, but thought of that as I read your post. Keep us informed of what you find.

[NCH2oSki]

While you have it apart, replace the rudder packing and clean up the rudder housing. Its a 15 minute job on my 206, not sure about a V Drive.

[crobi2]

That '03 may have a zirk fitting on a hose that goes to the rudder packing. Check in the back, sometimes they hang around the muffler on the starboard side. My buddies '04 has one. Mine alas does not and my grease job from last year has just about flushed out and my steering is getting stiff again.

[ski4evr]

would bet on the cable. mine also was stiffer turning right as opposed to left under power. finally got to the point of taking two hands to turn it. now can turn either way under power with one finger. there are several threads on here about it. If you separate the linkage from the cable to the rudder, you can tell where the friction is. Like I said, should be able to spin steering wheel with one finger. wish I had realized that the first summer instead of fighting the wheel for three months.

[bhectus]

While you have it apart, replace the rudder packing and clean up the rudder housing. Its a 15 minute job on my 206, not sure about a V Drive.

+1. It's even easier to access on a V-drive. I have a how-to over on CCFan. Here's the linky:
http://www.correctcraftfan.com/forum...rudder-packing

[cjohnsen1611]

Thank you for the link. I am going to replace the steering cable and rudder packing. Sounds like both are contributing factors. If there is little or no packing could this cause water to come into the bilge? I seem to have an unusual amount of water in the bilge after a day of wakeboarding. Thank you again!

[bhectus]

Thank you for the link. I am going to replace the steering cable and rudder packing. Sounds like both are contributing factors. If there is little or no packing could this cause water to come into the bilge? I seem to have an unusual amount of water in the bilge after a day of wakeboarding. Thank you again!

Yes, just like shaft packing being dried out, the rudder port is also an entry point for water if it is dried out and/or not adjusted properly.
Before you order a new steering cable, remove the cable from the rudder and then work the steering cable back and forth at the helm. If it is smooth then it is most likely not the cause of your stiff steering.