Steering Lubrication?

[PistolP]

My 1988 Checkmate Starflite has a '88 Mercury 200hp with dual steering pistons. The steering is very stiff (as comparison to other boats) and makes manuevering around the dock and into the trailer difficult. After greasing the "Zerkes" fittings the steering is still difficult. Checkmates are performance boats and should have stiffer steering than normal boats but what is the right amount of "stiffness" and do any you have any suggestions as to lubricating the cables or any othe part of the steering system?

 

[PistolP]

My 1988 Checkmate Starflite has a '88 Mercury 200hp with dual steering pistons. The steering is very stiff (as comparison to other boats) and makes manuevering around the dock and into the trailer difficult. After greasing the "Zerkes" fittings the steering is still difficult. Checkmates are performance boats and should have stiffer steering than normal boats but what is the right amount of "stiffness" and do any you have any suggestions as to lubricating the cables or any othe part of the steering system?

 

[Shameless]

In my opinion, I would run the boat by your closest Merc dealer with a good reputaion. Have a certified Mechanic take a second to check it, it sounds you MAY need new cables. It is an easy do it yourself job to replace them with the way Checkmate designed the open gunwhales of there boats.

2003 ZT 240 6.2litre/Bravo 320 H.P. 25P Mirage Plus

 

[Eriktheviking]

Its time for a new cable.

Its a common problem with older boats. Once the steering gets stiff its hard to bring it back. I just replaced the entire set up on my Enforcer.

 

[JW]

There's a way to save old cables if you don't want to spend $250. Go to screamandfly.com and ask about it over there. There's a way to build or buy a 'tool' that allows you to flush the old grease out of the cables and get new lube in there. So far it's worked for quite a few of the members there. Good luck!

1995 Pulsare 2100BR/1995 Mercury Promax 225 2.5 EFI/ 1.87:1 Torquemaster/ RapidJack Heavy-Duty manual 10.5" setback/ 23" Tempest worked for ski duty

 

[PistolP]

Thanks for the advice!

 

[Eriktheviking]

The time you'll spent trying to get that old cable working won't be worth it.You can't beat the feel of a new cable! You can buy a new set up for $116.00 at go2marine.com.They're a great place for Marine Parts.They've got brand name stuff for the cheapest prices I've seen. I picked up a new Teleflex "rack" steering system for my boat for $116.00.$155.everywhere else.Check em out

 

[JV]

Chances are that only one of the cables is binding. I had the same situation with my Enchanter last season. Best way to check it out is undo one at the stern connection and see if the steering gets an easier; if not, reconnect and try the other. I had to special order a 14'6" for my 20'er. You might be able to get by with a standard 15' for your 21'er. Check the numbers on the old cable for footage and part number. After I disconnected the bad cable, I could actually turn the wheel by pushing on the motor from the back of the boat. I ran my boat with only one steering cable for while, and could really feel the steering torque diffrence; you might have to adjust your trim torque tab. This might be a place to start....