Steering on an Inboard

[codyandamber]

I have had I/O's before. Last year I got an older mastercraft. Is the steering typically much stiffer than on an I/O or do I need to grease the cable/ possibly replace? Thanks for any and all help.<br /><br />85 Mastercraft S&S<br />351 PCM inboard

 

[salty87]

Re: Steering on an Inboard

it shouldn't be too difficult. greasing may work, replacement will.

 

[codyandamber]

Re: Steering on an Inboard

will it be more difficult than an I/O???

 

[salty87]

Re: Steering on an Inboard

i guess it depends on the i/o...power steering? i've never had one so i can't say.<br /><br />i replaced mine a couple of years ago. it went from taking 2 hands to only needing 1 finger to turn the wheel. inboard steering isn't particularly different until you go into reverse or are going slow.<br /><br />any idea if it's original? if so, i'd replace.<br /><br />how hard is it to turn the wheel? 2 hands? there are also grease zerks on the rudder assembly that the steering cable attaches to in the bilge near the rear. might as well give them a blast and see if that helps.<br /><br />one last observation, on the trailer...there should be very little resistance when you spin the wheel.

 

[codyandamber]

Re: Steering on an Inboard

Salty,<br /><br />I am not sure if it is the original, but I would not doubt it. The boat is in fantastic shape. It has always been a freshwater boat and has had regular maintenance performed.<br /><br /> http://classifieds.mastercraft.com/messages/9839/10155.html?1078803619 <br /><br />However, it is getting older.<br /><br />I have heard that you are not supposed to turn the rudder or engage the prop while you are not in the water since the water actually cools the seals. Is this true? <br /><br />After I have been in the water a littel while it tends to get a little easier, but it is still much tughter than any I have driven before...not dangerously tight.<br /><br />I will try greasing it as I am a firm believer in the stuff. Hopefully that will take care of it.<br /><br />If no, do you have any idea where I can get an aftermarket inboard cable? <br /><br />It is a 19ft boat. I am not sure of the length of cable.<br /><br />Thanks again,

 

[DJ]

Re: Steering on an Inboard

codyandamber,<br /><br />I'm not so sure that the inboard cable is any different an an I/O or an outboard. May or may not be.<br /><br />The best way to determine length is to remove it and measure it.<br /><br />First off, disconnect the cable at the rudder end and see how it turns. If it's stiff, it's probably the cable.<br /><br />If not, the rudder may need lube. I would think there is a grease zerk on the rudder post.

 

[navigator336]

Re: Steering on an Inboard

An inboard ski boat is generally pretty easy to turn. Before you replace the cable try disconnecting it at the rudder and then see how easy the wheel turns (or by hand how easy it is to move the rudder). The rudder has a packing gland on it to keep water out. Your comment about not turning the prop out of the water is correct as there is also a packing on the prop shaft which will burn up (get hard)if water is not lubricating it. For the rudder it doesn't matter as it doesn't move fast enough to build up any heat. A prop shaft packing nut should only be tightened enough to allow a drip every 20-60 seconds. A rudder packing nut can be tightened so that no water leaks past. Now to get the end of this long story, its possible someone overtightened the packing nut on the rudder shaft which will make the rudder harder to turn. Chances are though that the cable needs to be replaced.

 

[Sunset on the Bay]

Re: Steering on an Inboard

just saw this and are having the same problem with a 98 ski nautique...hopefully these suggestions will help!
thanks

 

[seven up]

Re: Steering on an Inboard

There is also a strut which stabilizes the shaft and prop. The cutlass bearing sleeve inside the strut requires water for lubrication. Engaging the prop out of the water can destroy the cutlass bearing and be one of the reasons for vibration.

Great Boat.


Enjoy !