I have a 2004 vee 290 cruiser. bought brand new

martinwielgus

When new did not use much.

I remember the steering wheel being easy to turn when boat was new. After a year the steering became much harder to turn.  The mechanic said it was normal to be hard to steer.  

The 2 engines have, what look like power steering pumps.

Any help would be welcomed.

happy new year

Marty

MarkB

It should not be hard to turn.  Do you have sufficient fluid in your power steer reservoir? 

Cableguy Greg

Only one of the engines has the power steering pump that is in use. If I recall correctly, the second engine has a pump that isn't connected to anything. I could be wrong...

TonyWalker

I had a ram go bad once.  It began to leak.  The boat steered ok but I got a huge squeal out of the ram when I turned it all the way starboard.

Handymans342

The power steering pump could be bad even though it is hooked up and running. 

Dream_Inn

I think most items have been hit already, but I have to agree with them all.  Only one pump does work the steering.  & as said, it could also be the ram.  I'd start by looking at fluids and have engine room open while running and have someone turn steering while you are listening.

martinwielgus

Thanks everyone,

I will check the pumps and fluid.

Don't think I have any leaks, but I will take a good look.

I will give you a update

Thanks

marty

Marty

Stodge

I swapped the power steering pumps on between the engines of my old 280 when the one that actually did the work failed.