steering problems

[rayman 62]

I have a 1976 888 Mercruiser with steering problems. When I turn my steering it only responds slightly about 20 degrees on either side. I figure it must be damaged where the arm connects to the outboard. The cable and ram arm work correctly. Can I repair this problem without taking the boat out of the water? If I have to do this job on shore will I have to move the motor?

 

[libellav15]

Re: steering problems

Have you tried running the boat like it is - it might be ok

turning full lock on mine seems very minimal and i was worried about it hardly turning - but thats how they are - surprisingly responsive under power

cheers
adam

 

[stonyloam]

Re: steering problems

Does the outdrive have a lot of side to side play?

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: steering problems

I figure it must be damaged where the arm connects to the outboard. The cable and ram arm work correctly. Can I repair this problem without taking the boat out of the water? If I have to do this job on shore will I have to move the motor?

If its loose where the steering arm goes in and connects to the outdrive, no you cant do it in the water. They make a kit to drill hole in the transom shield so you can access that bolt, but they look rather challenging to install and if you screw up you have a leak. Yes short of that fix you have to pull the drive and the motor and everything else out. Id get it on the trailer, and check it out good to see where its loose and go from there.