Steering Problems

[Jetcrusr69]

I have a 1996 Stratos 201FS Fish and Ski that I bought in June. The steering is very tight. I unhooked it from the engine which is a 200 hp Johnson v6 Venom, and it is still tight. I have greased both cables at the motor and still have the problem. It is rack and pinion not hyd. Under the dash are two racks. I wouldnt think that the cables are rusty, but anything is possible. I would like any and all of your troubleshooting ideas.

 

[crab bait]

Re: Steering Problems

check to see if the cable is bent at to sharp of radius in the run... that'll do it... also cables don't last forever ... might be time for a replacement..

 

[Jetcrusr69]

Re: Steering Problems

I traced the cables from under the dash to the motor. They do make kind of a good bend to get to the front of the motor which is on a 6 inch jack plate. I think tomorrow I will undo them from the front of the motor and see if the cables free up when the bend is no longer there. Thanks.

 

[OBJ]

Re: Steering Problems

Wouldn't surprise me if the Jack Plate was the cause. With a Jack Plate, the steering cables make a "zig" to the steering tubes. Just enough to tighten up the steering. You will know soon as you unhook the cables if you can without pulling the motor. If this is the case, drill two slotted holes at the rear of the boat, pass the cables through them and into the steering tubes. Cover the cover the protruding cables with chrome clam shells. Makes a nice job.

 

[Jetcrusr69]

Re: Steering Problems

Thanks for the post. I am with you, I think that the jack plate is the reason regardless of what my Mech. says at the marina. I will pull them and see.

 

[dwci97]

Re: Steering Problems

what you need matey is a FORCE engine on that there fishin boat. Or get you one heck of a good oar to get you back to land. That steering problem just needs a good ol' greasin or you need to grow some muscle so you can turn the wheel you big sissy. You never stated in your post whether you were a 90 lb. sissy or not. Grow some muscle and turn that $50.00 hunk of junk fishin' boat instead of whining about needing to fix a cable or 2. Ever hear of maintenance. You might try to work out and grow some muscle before you hire some expensive wrench to fix that basstracker. Do what we do on the mighty Illinois River....Grip it and rip it.

 

[DJ]

Re: Steering Problems

Jetcrusr69,<br /><br />When a steering cable gets "tight" it's spelling trouble.<br /><br />Don't fool around with this. If you do not solve your concern by "softening" a bend in the cables, replace them. You DO NOT wnat these to "let go" at speed. You, may not survive it!

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Steering Problems

dwci97, why so harsh dude? not only was your post<br />not a bit helpful, but it was rude. you need a<br />"work out" on your manners.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Steering Problems

Sounds like dwci97 had to get away from his grandfather/dad, + his sister/mom..... So him,+ his sister/wife migrated to the illinois river from applachia...<br />the recommendation for a FORCE motor gave it away !!!!!!!!

 

[Jetcrusr69]

Re: Steering Problems

OK! After further investigation, i believe the problem is with the cables making a harsh jog back to the motor due to the fact of a jack plate. I am not able to drill an access hole further back due to a recessed transom step. So my question is: Does anyone make or have any advice for offsetting the steering attatchment to the engine so I would not have to remove the jackplate? From the exit hole back to the cable attatchment as it sits now is approx. 12 inches. This creates one hell of an S curve in the cable. Thanks, Brian p.s. Dwci is one of my buddies. Don't be too harsh on him. :^)

 

[dwci97]

Re: Steering Problems

Bumping up your thread to the top...<br /><br />Jetcrusr knows that I am just horsing around with him...We are friends and stable our boats in the same hanger.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Steering Problems

on ebay there are Hydrualic steering systems going in the $250. to $350. range right now.....<br />What Cables ???