Stiff Hard Tight Steering for 2007 236 (230)

[racc11]

I have an older 230/236 and I have a question about the steering. I bought the boat last year and the steering was super tight and hard to turn. I took to reputable mechanic and he replaced the steering cable. Cost me $1200. Only marginally seemed to improve. I dealt with it all season and put it away like that over the winter. I called my mechanic last week and he said that the cable he used is under a recall and needs to be replaced. I saw that a bunch of cables are under recall but my question is: If it works appropriately, shouldn't I be able to steer with one finger? If this new cable doesn't help, what else could it be? The rudder doesn't seem to have play in it and if I move the rudder manually the steering wheel spins freely (and fairly easily). I don't really know what else I should be looking for. Any suggestions???

[jpwhit]

Have you greased the rudder port? If you don't do that maint, then the grease dries up and makes it hard to steer. There should be a zerk fitting on the rudder port for a grease gun to attach.

[Waveslayer]

Could be the cable. But do whatvwas suggested above with the grease

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[charlesml3]

There's an easy test. Disconnect the steering cable from the tiller arm at the rudder. Now test the steering. If it's still stiff, its the cable. If it's now nice and easy, it's the rudder.