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Stiff steering
- Thread starter Sbrag
- Start date
That's not a question that can be answered simply.
Let's assume you have the Mercury dual ride guide steering. This steering can be tightened up against itself at the engine end, which reduces the tendency of the boat to chine walk at speed. The tighter you make it, the harder the steering is to turn.
Another factor is temperature. I see you're from the great white north. The grease inside this steering system is thick, and the colder it gets outside the harder the steering will be to turn.
Another factor is age. If the steering is warm and the cables aren't adjusted too tight, then stiff steering can be caused by worn out grease and/or corroded cables. There's a trick to revive old cables, but I've gone the easy route and just replaced them. I have more money than patience.
Final factor is the engine. Disconnect your steering at the engine and move the engine back and forth. This will tell you whether it's the engine or the steering that needs to be addressed.
Let's assume you have the Mercury dual ride guide steering. This steering can be tightened up against itself at the engine end, which reduces the tendency of the boat to chine walk at speed. The tighter you make it, the harder the steering is to turn.
Another factor is temperature. I see you're from the great white north. The grease inside this steering system is thick, and the colder it gets outside the harder the steering will be to turn.
Another factor is age. If the steering is warm and the cables aren't adjusted too tight, then stiff steering can be caused by worn out grease and/or corroded cables. There's a trick to revive old cables, but I've gone the easy route and just replaced them. I have more money than patience.
Final factor is the engine. Disconnect your steering at the engine and move the engine back and forth. This will tell you whether it's the engine or the steering that needs to be addressed.
Judging by the age of the boat and assuming its Mercury Dual Ride-Guide steering, the cables are likely getting stiff. Unfortunately, Ride-Guide cables are no longer available as replacement parts. Depending on the length you need, they may be some left as NOS parts, but it could be hard to find. I had to replace the entire steering system on my 88 Starflite last season because the steering was so stiff. I used a Teleflex Dual NFB system instead of hydraulic and it made the steering feel like a sports car. It was a huge improvement in steering feel. Over time, the old cables get stiff even if you lubricate them at regular intervals. Mine were so bad after winter storage last year, my helm was making creaking noises. It had to go.
Best way is to measure from the helm to the engine with a tape, following the original cables. If the cables look to be properly routed and the correct length, then replace with same size. If you're going to add setback, then order the next size longer. Easier if you switch to hydraulic, but costlier.
Tough to find the Mercury ride guide since they stopped manufacturing. The telefax pro was decent but not quite as good (tightening the cables at the engine does not tighten the helm also, the teleflex only has a single rack/gear for both cables so you get a touch of slop at the helm. That was my experience with my Hydrostream comp Vector).
Hydraulic is easier to buy and install, other than the bleeding you have to perform at install and once or twice a year after that. Some people with boats capable of 70+ mph find they have to bleed the system even more often. And performance hydraulic is triple the cost of dual cable. I don't like hydraulic for fast boats personally. Most others do. I prefer a really tight dual cable setup that I have to strong-arm over an easy hydraulic system because I get more 'feel' from cables.
Hydraulic is easier to buy and install, other than the bleeding you have to perform at install and once or twice a year after that. Some people with boats capable of 70+ mph find they have to bleed the system even more often. And performance hydraulic is triple the cost of dual cable. I don't like hydraulic for fast boats personally. Most others do. I prefer a really tight dual cable setup that I have to strong-arm over an easy hydraulic system because I get more 'feel' from cables.