Is driving boat without power steering belt ok?

[boatdude100]

3L 1995 Mercruiser. Have to get it to the boat launch, pulley bracket broken so I was thinking I would remove belt and drive it over. Can I wreck something doing this?

It is a single dedicated belt, not a serpentine...

 

[achris]

Is driving boat without power steering belt ok?

Yes.

Can I wreck something doing this?

No.

 

[harringtondav]

The main consequence will be building up you upper arm and shoulder strength, mainly when docking. Negligible difference when cruising.

You bracket is Merc p/n 65606T. $171, $140 if you shop. It is a steel fabrication, so you may be able to have yours weld repaired for a fraction of new.

 

[boatdude100]

Thank you, now if I can just figgure out how to get the pump off the bracket. Seems I have to knock out a pin and remove the pulley... :-(

 

[Scott Danforth]

you use a PS pulley tool. if you turn wrenches as a hobby, you may already have one. if not, you can borrow from any auto store

I would keep the power steering on a 3.0. it was an expensive adder, and it will help with resale because 97% do not have power steering.

 

[achris]

... because 97% do not have power steering.

It's 96.82%. If you're going to quote statistics, at least do try to get it right!