Steering stiff

[idonthaveaname]

I just picked up a 1990 Bass Tracker, 17 ft, 70HP Johnson. Sweet little boat. Everything appears to be top notch and the Johnson runs nice. My question is the steering. My old Whaler steering was really easy and smooth, my other bass boat steering is the same--smooth and easy. The tracker steering is a hard turn. It appears it's all greased up and looks good, but out of the water it's a tough turn. Like I said, I just bought it so I don't know how it will work on the water, but the PO said it steers nice while under power. My thoughts are that it should steer fairly easily, in or out of the water. Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[idonthaveaname]

Re: Steering stiff

Bah! I removed the motor arm so it's not the motor bracket. That means the steering cable is shot. Had the same happen on my Whaler about 20 years ago. After I thought about it, it was, duh. Anyhow off to measuring and figuring which length I am going to need.