2008 Air Nautique 206 Steering Cable

[Recker]

Hello,

I purchased a 08 Air Nautique 206 a month ago. I took it out last weekend and it was very difficult to turn right and very easy to turn left. I also noticed some binding/clicking noise when turning the wheel. I assume the steering cable needs replaced. I ordered a new one from Nautiqueparts.com and should have it on Monday. I have not found any videos online showing the replacement of the cable. It is my understanding that I need to disconnect the cable from under the steering wheel and pull it through. Do I first attach the new cable to the other end and pull it through? Any tips are much appreciated. First time working on a boat.

[charlesml3]

Hello,

I purchased a 08 Air Nautique 206 a month ago. I took it out last weekend and it was very difficult to turn right and very easy to turn left. I also noticed some binding/clicking noise when turning the wheel. I assume the steering cable needs replaced. I ordered a new one from Nautiqueparts.com and should have it on Monday. I have not found any videos online showing the replacement of the cable. It is my understanding that I need to disconnect the cable from under the steering wheel and pull it through. Do I first attach the new cable to the other end and pull it through? Any tips are much appreciated. First time working on a boat.

OK, so you jumped the gun on this. The first thing you want to do is isolate the problem. Disconnect the existing steering cable from the tiller arm on the rudder. Now test the steering. If it's still stiff, then the problem is the cable (unlikely on a 2008). If the steering is not stiff then it's the rudder. Most likely you just need to drop the rudder, clean out the old grease, new grease and put it back in.

-Charles

[Recker]

Charles,

Thanks for the response. The boat steering out of the water feels perfect with a slight clicking noise going right or left. It gets really stiff when it is in the water and under any load.

[Quinner]

Open up the trunk doors, there should be a remote zerk fitting to lubricate your rudder, likely attached to the lifting ring rod behind a black plastic cover. Use that to get some fresh grease in your rudder.

If that does not resolve take a pic of your rudder and post here, perhaps you need to do some tuning.

[Recker]

I will try that tonight. I have been away from the boat the last couple of days. I plan on lubricating the rudder first and see what happens. I might also disconnect the cable as well to see about any binding. I really feel like it is the cable as it has a binding feel and a clicking noise when you turn the wheel. I will also snap a photo of the rudder. It is the tunable rudder.

[Recker]

Greased it up and adjusted the rudder and all is well! Thank you for your help! New to owning a boat.