You don't give a year, but most small outboards have a friction adjustment on the swivel bracket. It's usually a small screw, perpendicular to the swivel tube that when tightened will adjust how hard it is to turn the motor. It's usually located up high, near the base of the belly pan. Go carefully, if the motor hasn't been maintained much, or used in salt, that screw may be seized. If it doesn't turn fairly easily, don't force it.