Steering stiff

[rob123p]

Hi guys the steering is a little stiff on my bass boat. Is there anything I can do to make it a little lighter?

 

[oldjeep]

If it is an outboard then you could make sure that it doesn't just need some lube in the pivot tube.
Typically stiff steering indicates the need for a new cable.

 

[Maclin]

Is it stiff out of the water? Or just when underway adding power to the mix?

 

[GA_Boater]

Disconnect the end of the steering cable from the steering link on the motor. Swing the motor from side to side - It should be very easy. If it does swing easy, turn the steering wheel lock to lock and it should be easy also.

You could do some greasing - there is probably a Zerk to lube the steering swivel and grease the cable through the tilt tube. There two places to start before buying parts.

If the steering is still stiff after greasing and the motor swings easy, it is probably time for a new cable or a replacement steering system, including the helm. Often a kit with a helm and cable is only a few bucks more than the cable by it self. iboats carries kits and cables.

 

[rob123p]

The steering is stiff in the water. I will check the outboard and try and grease the points mentioned above

 

[alanfox55]

Last summer I picked up a new 93 Scout boat with a new 93 Johnson 70hp on it. The owner used it two times,parked it and never used it again. The steering was froze up so my first thought was new steering system. I greased all the spots on the motor then got as much of the old grease off of the steering cable and out of the tube as I could then filled the tube with white lithium grease. Anytime I was around the boat I would work the steering back and forth. It moved very little at first but now it works perfectly so the only steering part I need to replace is a new steering wheel.