1996 Maxum 1700 XR Bowrider steering locked up??

[JordyOutboard]

I uncovered my boat this weekend to get it ready for the season. This is the first year Ive kept it outside during the winter season. I usually keep it in the garage.

When i tried to turn the steering wheel there was absolutely no movement. Im guessing my steering cable locked up somehow. I really have no idea.

Where would you guys normally start troubleshooting in a situation like this? Im hoping its an easy fix and just consists of buying a new cable and swapping it out.

Thanks for reading.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Disconnect cable at the motor, if steering turns, its in the motor/outdrive. If it still doesnt turn, its in the cable/helm

Is this an IO or OB boat?

 

[JordyOutboard]

Disconnect cable at the motor, if steering turns, its in the motor/outdrive. If it still doesnt turn, its in the cable/helm

Is this an IO or OB boat?

Hi Scott,

Thanks for the quick response. The engine is a Force by Mercury Outboard engine.

If it turns out to be the motor/outdrive, what am I looking at in terms of fixing? The boat was functioning perfectly at the end of last season.

 

[Scott Danforth]

If its the motor, its the swivel pin/transom clamp assembly

 

[shaw520]

Most likely will be the steering cable,...usually the first point of trouble.

 

[JordyOutboard]

Hi All,

I was able to mess with the boat today and first thing i did was un hook the steering cable. After that the motor moved freely and the steering cable seems to work fine as well when i turned the steering wheel.

What should i look into now? Im guessing this isn't an easy fix?

 

[JordyOutboard]

I also want to ask if there is some sort of engine lock to prevent it from moving while transporting? I don't remember putting anything on but figured this could be a possibility. I just don't get how it would stop after working well. Only sat about 4 months.

 

[JordyOutboard]

I think t[FONT=verdana, geneva]he slider at the end of the cable is frozen in the pivot tube on the motor. I think i need to break it loose some how. From what i am reading people heat it up?

Also, should i remove the two large nuts at each end?[/FONT]

 

[JordyOutboard]

Dove back into it today. I ended up using an angle grinder and cut the steering cable off at the engine. I had to then remove the pivot/tilt tube from the engine. I put a car jack under to keep the engine from dropping once i took the tube out.

I had to beat the helll out of the steering cable shaft to get it out of the pivot/tilt tube. Finally got it out and will clean the tube walls. New steering cable is on its way.

Feeling good.