Boat steering?

[bassfshin24]

So the last time out I noticed there is something wrong with my steering. It is way to loose feeling. It takes way too many rotations of the wheel to turn the motor. Any ideas? I'm guessing maybe a hose leak. I didn't see anything leaking at the steering wheel or the motor. Any ideas? My boat is a 99 Triton TR-18 and has sea star hydronic steering.

[CASTnBLAST]

My boat did the same thing, ended up having to replace the pump. Didn't notice any leaks either, the carpet can soak up an amazing amount of hydraulic fluid.

[bassfshin24]

What does something like that cost?

[CASTnBLAST]

My boat had the tilt steering option (2011 FX), I have a bit of a beer belly but in no way obese so I had fixed steering (non-tilt) installed which was a fair amount cheaper. Still not a cheap fix a little under $500, my guy works fairly reasonable though. Probably cost you a bit more down that way, everything seems to.

[hydrashack]

I think there is a place on BBC that can either rebuild one or has rebuilt one for a lot cheaper than buying new. If that is what is wrong.

Have you checked you hydralic fluid yet?

[bassfshin24]

I have not checked the fluid yet but I would think if it was low that would make it harder to turn not make it feel loose. I had planned on checking it this week though just incase that is the issue.

[bassin]

the connection on mine at the motor came lose, the nut did, which caused a lot of the fluid to leak out. The steering got very loose like you mentioned. I had to turn and turn and turn the wheel just to get it too turn the motor a little. It wasn't tight at all. Replaced the fluid in the cap at the steering wheel and all was good.

[bassfshin24]

That sounds exactly like what is going on with mine. Hopefully that's the issue. Thanks for the info guys.

[Markula]

I have not checked the fluid yet but I would think if it was low that would make it harder to turn not make it feel loose. I had planned on checking it this week though just incase that is the issue.

You would be incorrect. How hard is it to check fluid on your boat?

Most, it takes lesS than 30 seconds.

Bad pump or leak. Helm pumps are in the $375 range.

[bassfshin24]

I never said it was hard. I was asking for people's opinion because I've never ran into this issue.

[smalliehunter]

If I run into any issues with my boat or fishing this is one of the first places I start asking questions too..