zerk fitting on rudder port

[wakejunky]

Has anybody added a zerk fitting to a rudder port? I'm in the process of replacing my steering cable, I'm thinking some of my stiff steering is a combination of steering cable and rudder port. So, I'm thinking of replacing the packing in the rudder port and know that later years, post 04', had zerk fittings on the rudder port. I'm thinking of adding a zerk fitting for future maintenance but, am not looking to replace the whole port. So, I'm sure it won't be easy to do while in the boat but, willing to tackle it, if it's worth doing.
Unfortunately, I can not remove the rudder completely from the boat and will have to just drop the rudder as far as the trailer prop guard.

Thanks

[beach]

I believe my 03 210 has a zerk fitting on the end of a hose located above the backside of the starboard ballast tank. I thought that hose lead to rudder port.

[wakejunky]

04 they started the zerk fitting

[keithh2oskier]

Not sure how close your rudder is to the prop guard but I was able to turn mine to full lock to remove it. I have also heard of people putting the boat on a few inches short so the back end hangs off just a little in order to drop the rudder.

I replaced my cable in the spring and dropped the rudder and got rid of the old dried up grease and put some new marine grease. It turns like butter and took 10 minutes.

[Mikeski]

I bet the cable is all you need. I have the zerk fitting on mine but I have never added grease and it. It's easy to slide your boat back on the trailer too, just put some blocks under the boat and slide the trailer forward. Seriously could be done in 20 minutes. Let me know if you need some help, I have some free time and I might be in the area next week. Happy to help.

[jmo]

Hey guys, so I have minor clicking while turning the wheel, but it moves freely. I was thinking about adding some grease to the rudder. On my 2006 196 I believe I see a zerk fitting on the back side of the rudder mechanism as I look at it from above with the floor board pulled up in the rear storage locker. Based on the grease residue on the end of the zerk it looks like standard yellow automotive bearing grease, but does anyone know:

1. What specific grease did they put in it at the factory, I worry about using a non compatible base grease thats different (if this happens it will react and liquify all of it = bad)
2. Is there an overflow mechanism on it to prevent over-greasing it and potentially blowing a seal?
3. While the boat is 10 years old, it only has 300 hours on it and spends most of its life as a garage queen out of the water - should I need to do this?

Thanks,

JMO

[vanhanbr]

If you're that concerned, drop the prop and grease it the "right way." Or just buy whatever marine grease you can find and keep pumping till it squirts out the bottom. I added a grease zerk to my 97 and never used it as it was almost as easy to drop the prop. If I be a betting man, I would think you need to replace the steering cable.

[t.franscioni]

Anyone have a pic of there zerk fitting on there rudder? I'd like to add this feature to my rudder.

[charlesml3]

I believe my 03 210 has a zerk fitting on the end of a hose located above the backside of the starboard ballast tank. I thought that hose lead to rudder port.

It does. It's explained in the owners manual on how often to regrease it.

-Charles

[wakejunky]

As the OP, I wanted to add a zerk fitting but, if the consensus is to just grease it periodically by dropping the rudder and spearing grease in the port, then it doesn't seem like it's worth the effort to add one.
So, how often should it be greased?

[charlesml3]

As the OP, I wanted to add a zerk fitting but, if the consensus is to just grease it periodically by dropping the rudder and spearing grease in the port, then it doesn't seem like it's worth the effort to add one.
So, how often should it be greased?

On my old 99 Air Nautique, I had to drop the rudder and re-grease it every 3 or 4 years. You'll know when the steering starts to feel a bit stiff.

-Charles