Boat Steering?

Question

I own norman conquest boat have not had it long so trying to find out more about it.

Behind Steering wheel is a silver hub with two hollow red/blue plastic tubes coming from it either side, one looks purposely blocked and the other seems to go towards gear control/outboard engine.

The steering seemed very lax and boat quite unresponsive but the batteries were quite flat (enough to run the boat though) and I recently replaced the boat batteries and suddenly the steering seems more responsive now and a bit stiffer turning the steering wheel. I can also hear some strange sort of knocking sound/tapping below my feet or coming from the steering hub now. Anyone got any ideas what this is, what type of steering my boat might have and wether this is normal or not?

Regards

B.

Answer 1

if it's an outboard engine the steering is a manual type with an enclosed cable from the steering wheel direct to the motor. on the motor there should be two grease fittings that lubricate the motor steering arm. these must be greased often. if the cable has become corroded you will need to replace it. the battery has nothing to do with the steering. there are also grease fittings on the lower unit that need grease. the plastic tubes contain the cable and a spare for other motor controls if added.

Answer 2

Sounds like you have a rotary steering cable. Teleflex makes one, look it up and see if thats what it looks like. Do you have hydrolic power steering, if so, check the fluid level and belt that drives the power steering.

Answer 3

Sounds like best bet is to look at the paper work on it or search on google for that type of boat and read up on it.