Hard to turn the Wheel

[lawman]

A buddy of mine has a 1988 20 foot Crestliner that is in great shape. He recently had a new Evinrude 150 hung on the back. After a couple months the steering became very hard. It takes both hands to turn the boat now. The steering cable was replaced but no change. Any more ideas?

[castindad]

POSSIBLY TOO STERN OF A BEND IN CABLE OR DEFECTIVE CABLE? TENSION ON CABLE AT THE WHEEL? VALV OR TENSION WOULD KNOW FOR SURE CASTINDAD

[marine_man]

Here's what I would do... disconnect the drag link that connects the motor to the steering cable - it connects on the left hand side of the motor. With that off, rotate the motor by hand (do this out of the water by the way, with the motor off) and see if it's easy to rotate without the cable. If it is, the problem is with the steering controls or cable. As castindad said, check for sharp bends in the cable... you should have pretty gradual turns - no sharp 90 corners. If it's with the motor there is probably a grease zerk somewhere on the midsection of the motor to grease the shaft that pivots the motor...

Good Luck!

marine_man

[lawman]

Thanks guys

[Valv]

Marine man is correct, if motor steering is smooth and cable was replaced, only defective part is the helm (the actual steering gear under the wheel)