Steering is stiff on my 16 foot I\O?

Question

It takes two hands on the wheel and some muscle to turn this beast. It's an 86, 16ft I/O , 140hp merc and it runs 40mph tops. I'd sure like the steering to work a little easier on it. Anybody have suggestions? I see some steering kits online for around 200 dollars, but they look exactly like whats already on the boat.?. Is there anything I can do myself to make it work better. What should I check? Also, when were cruising along like 15-20mph the boat tends to wander back and forth (left and right) slightly. Nothing terrible, just annoying. Someone help. Thanks in advance guys/gals.

Answer 1

I'm not sure if it is the same but I have a old 4winns and the steering is the same way.  There is an adjuster bolt on the backside of the wheel with a spring.  I loosened it and it loosened my steering a little.  A little grease in the line will help too.

Answer 2

You might need a new steering cable. Thats what was wrong with my boat when the sterring became stiff. If it's never been replaced and it's an older boat; thats mostlikely it.

Answer 3

Don't grease the cable or it will lock it up> Disconnect from the ODrive and see if it smooth> If not it's the cable > See if the outdrive is stiff move freely back & forth> You have got your moneys worth if you replace the cable replace the helm also or it might damage the cable with worn gears>>

Answer 4

try greasing all the grease fittings on the steering, and your boat might need new stringers or new rams on the outdrive if it's wandering back and forth like that.