Possible New Boat w/ Steering Issue - '75 Sea Ray SRV190 w/ MerCruiser 888 Outdrive

[foxxinabox]

So I'm thinking about buying this boat as it's from the 3rd owner who's had it for the past 25+ years. Everything looks good except for this steering issue. As per him, the steering pin moves fine, however, the outdrive does not move at all. I've found a few things searching on the internet but nothing definitive. I haven't had a chance to look at the boat, yet, but will likely be taking a look next weekend. Anyone out there with more information who might be able to shed some light on what the problem might be and what I should look for? Seized gimbal? Something out-and-out broken? I'm not sure if the cable has been disconnected; if so I'll trying moving the outdrive by hand. Just trying to find my options so I know what to look for after a two hour drive. Thanks.

 

[Bondo]

Just trying to find my options so I know what to look for after a two hour drive.

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,.... I'd keep lookin',.... Not only is the potential repair a Biggie,....

Ford power is Obsolete,.... Parts are insanely expensive,....

I'm guessin' the tiller arm is no longer firmly attached to the gimbel ring,.....
The top pin used to be splined, which strips,.....
Later transom assemblies used a square top pin, insteada the splines,...
'n bein' Ford power, ya can't swap in an Alpha transom assembly,.... the rear motor mounts were moved at that point,...

 

[foxxinabox]

Not what I was hoping to hear but what I was needing to hear. I passed on the boat and think I'll be better off for it. Thank you for your response. Sorry it took so long to say so.

 

[khe]

The Ford 302 engine in the Mercruiser 888 package was rock solid reliable. Seems like a used transom assembly would be around somewhere if the individual parts are no longer available.

 

[harleyman1975]

I got the business end of that in my horse trailer. Would be happy to