What is a steering ram?

[Sea Mitch]

While doing some repairs on my boat, the technician found a leak from around the steer system so I told him to check it out and fix it. This is my first boat and I don't want to get stuck out there... yet!<br /><br />Upon completion of the repairs, the service manager wrote me this email.<br /><br />"I wanted to let you know that the repairs to the steering system have been completed. The technician has noted that the actual steering ram has minor pitting on the stainless steel shaft. This is normal for the age of the unit. If the seals tear again it may need complete replacement. The ram end cap seals have been replaced and the steering ram cylinder reinstalled and the system bled."<br /><br />What is he talking about! What is a steering ram? Where is this unit? Is it expensive to replace? How long should it last? Am I in for big bucks?! Gulp!

 

[DP]

Re: What is a steering ram?

You didn't specify if you have an outboard or an I/O. In either case the steering ram is the hydraulic cylinder that steers the outboard or I/O.<br />On an outboard it is mounted on the front of the engine on an I/O it would be mounted in the engine compartment.<br />Yes a little spendy to replace. If the pitting isn't to bad I have heard of having them re chromed.

 

[Sea Mitch]

Re: What is a steering ram?

Thanks for the help BW17MT<br /><br />It's a Yamaha 1993 250 outboard. Is this part of the engine? If I end up repowering the boat, will a new engine come with this? As you can see, I know nothing about boat engines.... yet! I appreciate your help!

 

[Sea Mitch]

Re: What is a steering ram?

I may sound a little stupid here! I haven't taken delivery of the boat yet. It's about 80 miles from my home and I don't get to see it too often. I bought it around February and I'll go and get it April 26. Can't wait!! I've been trying to take care of all the little problems before I get the boat so I don't end up dead in the water. I am in contact with the service dept of the marina at which it's stored for the winter. That's why I'm not sure what they're talking about. I can't "see" the engine to picture the part.

 

[Salty Dog]

Re: What is a steering ram?

I also have a 93 Yammie 250. The steering ram stays with the boat, not the motor.

 

[Ross J]

Re: What is a steering ram?

Hello First Boat,<br />When you get to your marina and aboard your boat, spend time getting accustomed to all the gear you'll encounter there. I hope you do some kind of a boating course before that.<br />Turn the steering wheel whilst on the trailor and note how the engine responds. Walk back to the motor and have a friend turn the wheel, taking note of how this works yourself. You'll see there's a connection between the boat and the motor which expands and contracts. This is the steering ram. It'll be obvious to see. Depending on the amount of pitting on there your best advice is to have it tidied up for good otherwise the leaks will return. Having said that I have a minor pit on mine but as I'm running a manuel system the result is far more forgiving.<br />As your boat is at the marina have the technition go over it with you before use. Failing that take a mate who has all the appropriate tickets and insure him/her, then get him/her to show you the ropes......<br />Good luck<br />Ross

 

[Sea Mitch]

Re: What is a steering ram?

Thanks ROSS, just one thing. What do you mean by "your best advice is to have it tidied up for good", does tidied up mean rechrome it like BW17MT says or replaced entirely? Sounds like if I plan to keep this boat for a while, I might as well replace it. Does that sound logical?

 

[DP]

Re: What is a steering ram?

If the marina has replaced the seals in the steering ram don't worry about it. Keep your eye on it and watch for leaking haydraulic fluid, untill that happens it is going to work fine. Even then the steering is not going to go away, it will start getting less responsive as the fluid leaks out. There is no way to know how long the new seals will last, it could be years.

 

[Ross J]

Re: What is a steering ram?

Heck mate, to be honest with you, I wouldn't bother spending more on it unless the pitting was substantial. Its stainless steel after all and sometimes it can put up with minor pitting. The technitian is right to suggest repair as he wouldn't be doing his job otherwise, however it would cost no more weather you have it done now or 5 years down the track so see how you go for a while then decide. As previously stated if there's a problem you'll see signs of leakage, either by going through oil or oil on the shaft.<br />Happy boating from Ross

 

[Sea Mitch]

Re: What is a steering ram?

Thanks! I feel much better! I thought I was in for a major repair bill before even gettin' aboard for the first time! I'll keep my eyes open for leaks.