Steering Question-Sugarsand Jetboat

[emoney]

So, I'm trading my little sailboat for this Sugarsand Jet boat. It's a '96 and in pretty good shape. Mercruiser 120hp sounds good, and overall a 8 out of 10. Anyway, the problem is there's no steering because something's broke. I haven't attempted to figure out what, because I'd like someone other than me (you know, the folks that actually know something) to guide me so I don't screw nothing up. There's a piece that's broke off the top which I can't see. It's just hanging there and looks like this;

Do I just loosen these two bolts to remove the wheel/assembly so I can get a look at the top?;

What type steering is this, in the obvious event I'm going to need parts?;

Wife said she wasn't going back out on the sailboat, so I figured there's no sense in keeping it. Not sure what I'm going to do with this one, although I think I want to try and trade it for a "tinny" for fishing. However, I want to make sure it's all solid and working as it should be, before listing her on CL. Thanks oodles, btw.

 

[emoney]

Re: Steering Question-Sugarsand Jetboat

For what it's worth, I figured it out. Now, where's the best place to get the parts?
And, is there anyone that sells the individual parts like the gears inside the helm, or is this a "package" only type fix?

I don't suppose there's a conversion to a different type of steering is there? Where in the world is all the jet boat folks? It is a Mercruiser, ftr.

 

[emoney]

Re: Steering Question-Sugarsand Jetboat

Well, I suppose I'll reply to and update my own question, buwahaha. Just in case somebody does a "search" with the same problem. First of all, there's no replacement parts for these helms. In my case, the main gear inside the helm is held on with a through bolt that also has an attachment point for one of the mechanical parts of whole steering system. That's what broke and I had hoped I could purchase just that gear. No such luck. Also, oddly enough, the cheapest place to get the helm from, so far anyway, has been West Marine which normally is one of the more expensive places. Secondly, and this is the part anyone else with this issue needs to know, is the cables are prone to salt water damage, or at least that's what I gather. Once you loosen the cable, you should be able to move the inner part. If you can't, it was recommended to take a torch and try and heat it up, but looking at mine, I'm no so sure it wouldn't have need replacement anyway. All total, the helm and the cable is running around $150.00 for the parts. It's called a Teleflex JBS. Teleflex used some real imagination in this one as JBS stands for Jet Boat Steering, lol. So, thanks emoney for all your help in figuring this one out and I'll update you when I get her put together (takes a week for the parts to come in)