How Stiff is steering supposed to be?????

[KewlBird]

The boat is a 1990 Trophy 2459 - Hardtop. The engine is a 5.0L merc with alpha I outdrive. The steering is a Teleflex "Rack".
When I got this boat the steering was stuck at the tube that it goes through by the power steering at the outdrive end. This tube is not a part of the steering cable. I freed it up and it is moving easily through this tube. The outdrive appears to move freely, there is some resistance from the powersteering rack (you can feel the fluid resistance), but in short movements you can feel the how free it is.
I disconnected the steering cable at the helm and the helm is very easily turned. I attempted to move the cable with hand but can't, I can move by using a screwdriver and prying by the gear at the helm...
So, how easy is it supposed to be to move this cable without anything attached? Should you be able to move the cable by hand? I'm asking this because I've never had an inboard engine and I'm not sure how hard the steering should be. My dad driven the boat as well and he says that steering feels kinda stiff. BTW, the steering feels about the same whether engine is idling or if I'm on it. The powersteering fluid looks good and the pump seems to work. Thanks

 

[KewlBird]

Re: How Stiff is steering supposed to be?????

Time to replace the cable.

That's the feeling I was getting, I just wasn't sure if there is supposed to be some resistance within the cable itself...

 

[ezmobee]

Re: How Stiff is steering supposed to be?????

I have a new Teleflex rack and there's no resistance whatsoever.

 

[KewlBird]

Re: How Stiff is steering supposed to be?????

I have a new Teleflex rack and there's no resistance whatsoever.

That's a perfect answer!!! Just what I needed to know. Thanks!!

 

[KewlBird]

Re: How Stiff is steering supposed to be?????

Well, I thought I'd give you guys an update (just in case someone runs up on this thread down the line). I ordered a replacement cable SSC12419 (19 foot) it cost me only $95 with shipping . When I received it I tried moving it by hand and it actually moved. I immediately swapped it into the boat and it was a direct replacement (no modifications of any kind, just bolt it in the way the old one was). Even without the motor running it was easy to steer, once I fired the motor up it was featherlight. Thanks for the help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!