Issue with Steering (No Steering Control)

Easybee

2005 Rinker 342 Fiesta Vee, the steering wheel is very stiff. Check the steering components and can't seem to find the issue. The boat is located in Florida and has not been moved for four months. went out on yesterday for a run and realized the steering wheel was very stiff. What possible could cause this issue?   

aero3113

Did you check the reservoir level?

aero3113

After sitting that long, it could be the steering cable. 

Grahamu

More likely a power steering problem. Boats up here are not used for 6 months with no problem. If you have Merc engines you will have another pump you can swap.

YYZRC

Disconnect the steering cable from the hydraulic assist ram and you can isolate the problem. I bet @LaRea has some good pics from when he had his engines out. 

If the wheel turns fine with the cable disconnected you have a pump issue. 

LaRea

I couldn't find a good photo, but it's easy to disconnect the cable.  The steering cable end (e) is secured by a clevis pin (g).  Remove the cotter pin (h) and pull out the clevis pin.  Then loosen the coupler nut (c) that attaches the cable to the steering ram, and pull the cable out of the ram. 

aero3113

I never noticed that there’s a grease fitting (b) there.

rasbury

yes @aero3113
have had mine all apart, at least back in that area and never noticed either! I'm sure it's for only one thing...

Handymans342

I greased mine