Steering question -New Boat owner-

[jkoenig1980]

Need advice.
My brother gave me a boat to look after while he is deployed for the next three years. I know how to operate a boat but im still learning about the mechanical aspects.

So I was out driving today and noticed it was pulling hard to the left. It has always had play in the steering wheel. Still drive able just pulling hard.
Anyway, so i been googling the problem and i read about turning out drive. So I did. Standing behind the boat i can move the drive to the left and the steering wheel spins nicely. I can not move it to the right it stops at the mid point. Any Ideas? Or is this normal?

Boat details.
2000 Sea Ray 180
Mercruser 3.0 w/ alpha 1 drive
Rack and Pinion steering (I know that because it says rack and pinion on the boot attached to the steering wheel)

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Steering question -New Boat owner-

Sounds like the steering cable may be seized up and it is time to help your brother........ a cable is less that $150......... a nice gift to your brother. Thank your brother for his service!

 

[jkoenig1980]

Re: Steering question -New Boat owner-

On a scale from 1-10 how hard a job is this?