Re: loose steering
My 1995 chaparrall's steering wheel has gotten progressively loose. Very difficult to steer unless up to speed. Where should I start to look-the cable or the wheel? Any help appreciated. OB
Welcome to iboats.
More information is really needed. I am going to guess your chap... is an I/O ...... is that correct?
Look under the dash and see which mechanism you have. You will probably have a rotary system which feeds in the cable into a box (looks similar to an enclosed gear box) or you might have a rack and pinion which is a steering rack that glides back and forth as you turn the wheel. Neither of these units have any adjustment to tighten them under the dash.
One of the best tests you can perform is to disconnect the steering cable at the motor end and then try the wheel. If the cable is binding it must be replaced.
With all that said......does your boat happen to have a power steering pump? Check the fluid.
The last type steering system is a hydraulic system which on occasion needs to be bled, even a fluid change and the hydraulic cylinder's need to be checked to.
All steering connections are connected at the motor end with some type of joint or stainless steel bolt connection. Important to check that for wear........ replace if needed.
If the boat is new to you.....and it is an I/O then you need to know they are terrible at idle speeds for handling....
Overall more information is needed.
Smallboatlover ??? Where is this mythical adjustment??