Sluggish power steering

[Aloha Friday]

Just looking for thoughts on my first problem with our 2006 220 SD. We keep the boat in dry storage and have about 150 hours on the motor. A few months ago, one of the marina workers commented that my steering wheel seemed a bit hard to turn as he launched the boat in the river. While it seemed tighter than normal, once we got underway and on plane, the steering seemed normal. As it was still early Spring, I thought that the colder temperatures had some sort of effect on the viscosity of the power steering fluid.

Anyway, today with 91 degree temperatures in Charleston, SC the problem seemed quite pronounced and obviously not temperature related. It took two hands to steer the boat and was espicially difficult at slow speeds of 1000 - 1500 RPM. We had a great day at anchor but brought the boat back to the marina early as cruising was just plain annoying. I have checked the power steering fluid and the levels seem right on the money at both cold and hot conditions. Nothing is wrapped around the prop.

It almost seems that the problem is behind the steering wheel as I can feel varying resistance as I turn the wheel back and forth. I'm planning on calling my dealer on Monday, but thought there might be some thoughts or suggestions out here from boaters with more experience than moi.

Any thoughts?

Jim

 

[duck]

I too would be interested on hearing the thoughts of the more experianced members here on this problem. As the 97 240 i plan on looking at apprently has the same problem, the owner tells me he thinks the cables have coroded and need replacing :huh:

Given i know nothing about this or even how the system works i guess that explantion is plausible. However i would like to hear what the others think the possible causes are. :thumbsup:

 

[bigduby]

I had a related problem on an unrelated boat. Started off it requiring a little more effort than usual to turn the wheel and ended up where I had to use both hands and extra effort to turn the wheel. I mentioned it to the local mechanic and he replaced the steering cables. I was SHOCKED to say the least. I could turn the wheel with 1 finger and no effort. I had never experienced what "new" cables and steering felt like so I was amazed at the difference. Sounds like what you need are new cables... hopefully you'll get some more feedback with this as I am no expert... just my similar experience.. It definately impacts the fun in cruising when you have to fight with the steering at every turn. I forgot to mention that the steering improved at higher speed but was really noticeable at slower speeds.