Have an older pro -v. I think my steering has developed too much play. can turn the wheel several inches before "catching". I hope there is an easy fix for this, but as a first time boat owner, I'm finding these things are hard to keep up with.
There are several different types of steering systems on the market.
The first thing to do, is to disconnect the steering linkage from the motor.
You want to take the motor out of the equation, as far as working on the steering.
Now, take the end of the steering linkage - at the motor end, and try to pull it out or push it in. How much play is there in the steering. There should be virtually none.
Lets say, that there is play - now you need to go under the dash, disconnect the steering tube from the rack. This might be a combination deinstall, where it might be necessary to pull the steering wheel, and pull the steering rack, at the same time as you disconnect the steering tube. It depends on the style steering that you have.
With the steering rack, out of the way - check the steering link - back to the motor. Is it free, and easy to move - and is there 0 slop in the tube. The thing that can happen with steering tubes, and linkage are two fold.
1. Moisture can get into the tube, cause rusting, and then cause
the tube to bind within the tube, and make it nearly impossible
to move the linkage.
2. The cable, within the tube can break, and allow you to push the motor to steer- but not pull it back.
Now, that you have checked out the steering tube, and lets say, that you find that it is all right. Also, you find, that there is a nice clean looking connection at the point where the tube goes into the rack. The only thing left is the rack itself. Basically, the rack is not servicable, and if the problem is not at the motor end, is not in the tube, then the problem is a bad rack that needs to be replaced.
Summary - if your boats steering has not been replaced; and if your boat is 10 - 15 or more years old, it might be the wisest and simplest to simply gut out the old steering tube, the steering rack, and replace it with new parts. Typically these parts will run for about $150 - depending on brand, where it is obtained, and if it is single, double or hydralic steering. Obviously each of these choices are more expensive.
ps.
Separate the steering into its component parts.
a. Steering wheel,
b. Steering rack
c. Steering tube / cable within the tube.
d. The motor connection, and linkage at the end of the steering
tube.
Check each of the above mentioned components, and replace the individual failing part - or if every thing is old / worn - simply install a new steering system, from the steering wheel to the motor linkage connection.
Remember - broken steering can cause a boat to go out of control, and do some very bad things. Fix it - before you take the boat out again.
Take care
REW
p.s.
Don't overlook the obvious.
Take the cap off the steering wheel, and make sure that the steering wheel has not become loose and or stripped out the steering wheel mount onto the steering rack.
I have seen cases, where the steering wheel, is simply turning a 1/4 turn on the rack shaft - because the key has become lost, and the steering wheel nut has become loosened.
Take care
REW
Thanks a lot. I hope it is the latter because I'm not qualified to do the former.