Inboard Steering Problem

[Westlake]

I just put my "new" 1997 Ski Nautique in the water yesterday and it was really really hard to steer. I needed all my strength with 2 hands. I assume this is not normal.<br /><br />I am a novice to boating repairs. Is there anything I can do with the boat in the water to lube the wheel, steering cable, rutter, etc? Or do I have to bring it to the shop to get a new steering cable?<br /><br />Thanks.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Inboard Steering Problem

Hi Westlake... Is she hard to steer while under power, or just plain hard all the time? Should be very easy, all the time..<br /><br /> Couple things.. First thing i'd check is the rudder.. Disconnect the steering cable from the tiller arm on the rudder and see how easy the rudder turns (should be very easy)... If the rudder does not turn easily w/o the cable connected, you may have an issue with old packing and/or an overtightened packing nut on the rudders stuffing box..<br /><br />While the cable end is still disconnected from the rudder's tiller arm, turn the wheel back and forth.. If the steering is still stiff without the rudder connected, try to lube the end of the cable where it slides thru the pivot tube near the rudder... If none of these things help, it's probably time to replace the steering cable, or better yet, the entire system (helm and cable)..<br /><br />If indeed you do need to replace the cable, I think you'll find that the cost of a new cable is only slightly less than a complete new steering system.. Some of the new "no feedback" helms are greatly inproved over the older ones...<br /><br />This might help you in the future, when it's time to re-pack a stuffing box..<br /> http://diy-boat.com/Pages/Archives/links/eng99_2.html

 

[Westlake]

Re: Inboard Steering Problem

Thanks for the response. Stupid Question.... I saw that you have owned a Nautique. Does a 1997 have power steering? Could it be a fluid problem. It is difficult steering at a stop, 5 mph or 35 mph. I lubbed the cable last night with no luck. The boat is in the water, so I have not had a chance to look at the rutter, but maybe it's a simple a power steering?!?

 

[Northern Eclipse]

Re: Inboard Steering Problem

Stuffing box being packed to tight came to mind also, alot of mid engine ski boats I'v had the pleasure to be on didn't have power steering, but the rudders were made from a type of bronze I believe its called Nimble, Is there any chance that the rudder could have come in contact with the bottom or the trailer and gotten slightly bent, thus causing it to bind up.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Inboard Steering Problem

No power steering on those... The steering system is just a big push-pull cable...