So, being a complete greenhorn, I didn't know that the steering wheel having almost no play in it/not moving was an issue. I foolishly likened it to a car steering wheel that does not turn when the car is not running. It's only after becoming much more familiar with boats and components and some reading that I realize my steering is stuck.
1) Can anyone suggest, to the rookie, how to perform any checks/maintenance/tests that can allow me to isolate the problem? (cable, tube, etc)
2) I suspect this will be an expensive fix. Would you guys suggest this is something I take on myself, or that a shop do it? (I'm mechanically able, but learning as I go - no experience with boat steering)
3) Can someone wake me up from this nightmare?
For those keeping score - This is: Bad ignition, (no spark, unresolved) Bad trim motor (replaced by me, resolved) and now a bad steering system. All on a boat I was told was water ready and has not seen the water since I purchased it a few months ago. None of these issues were disclosed to me. I was told I could put it int he water the next day and use it - so, given that the steering was stuck, I think you'd understand that I feel that, not only have I been ripped off, the safety of me and my family has been jeopardized too by suggesting we launch a boat with no steering. (And have sunk over $600 into already on just parts).
I'm taking the boat to a shop tomorrow to diagnose the ignition problem. If they fix that, and have to replace the steering system, I'm looking at big bucks. I'm not sure what my rights are as a consumer, but this boat was clearly not close to water ready.
Anyway....rant over....always interested in your thoughts.
1) Can anyone suggest, to the rookie, how to perform any checks/maintenance/tests that can allow me to isolate the problem? (cable, tube, etc)
2) I suspect this will be an expensive fix. Would you guys suggest this is something I take on myself, or that a shop do it? (I'm mechanically able, but learning as I go - no experience with boat steering)
3) Can someone wake me up from this nightmare?
For those keeping score - This is: Bad ignition, (no spark, unresolved) Bad trim motor (replaced by me, resolved) and now a bad steering system. All on a boat I was told was water ready and has not seen the water since I purchased it a few months ago. None of these issues were disclosed to me. I was told I could put it int he water the next day and use it - so, given that the steering was stuck, I think you'd understand that I feel that, not only have I been ripped off, the safety of me and my family has been jeopardized too by suggesting we launch a boat with no steering. (And have sunk over $600 into already on just parts).
I'm taking the boat to a shop tomorrow to diagnose the ignition problem. If they fix that, and have to replace the steering system, I'm looking at big bucks. I'm not sure what my rights are as a consumer, but this boat was clearly not close to water ready.
Anyway....rant over....always interested in your thoughts.