Rinker 270 Fiesta Vee - 2002 steering issue

johnS

Hi 
I recently purchased a Rinker 270 Vee Fiesta. It's a lovely boat and we have refurbished it throughout. However, it is only my second boat (1st was a Bayliner 265), So I don't have mush experience of driving many boats, as this is my 2nd. But I have problems with the steering and throttle - or at least that's what I thought. I spoke with our Marina engineers and they have had a look and said the throttle is ok (even though it has to go forward or reverse for 3 inches before biting. They said the power steering is either the pump or cabling issues but likely to be a big job and it needs to come out of the water.

When I bought the boat, the surveyor said "it handled well"

I am not sure about this as when I watch videos of similar boats they hardly move the throttle and it kicks in almost immediately?? Plus, Marina manager said let's hope its not  the power steering pump??? I thought it might be easier to replace a pump rather than cabling etc?

What do you think?
John Soderberg
Lake Windermere, England UK

Formulaben

Definitely check the power steering fluid first.  How much slop is in the outdrive; grab it and move it side-to-side.  If there is a lot of slop it could be binding at the steering pin...do you know its condition?  Also, a new power steering pump is a lot cheaper than the other fixes. 

JonnyM

I agree the steering issue may be the steering pin.  Mercruiser used a steel pin and if there is any water intrusion it rusts and eventually fails.

The shifting issue may be the shift cable.  My boat had the same issue with having to push the shifter forward more than usual and it was fixed with a cable replacement.  

Formulaben

I forgot to mention the u-bolt nuts should be checked for correct torque.