Steering stiff on 1992 regal 24ft boat with volvo penta and duo prop

[Paul-F]

Had the boat on the water today for the first time in ages after fixing some issues (Water hose, water pump pulley, blower, bilge wiring corroded, stuck gear selector, batteries, and would not start with the old fuel) ... the motor is sweet now but the steering is very stiff and I was hoping that some use would help free it but alas that did not happen after a couple of hours burning off the old fuel motoring around a bay - it is slightly better than when I went out though but still an issue for close quarters manoeuvring where I can't react as fast as I'd like.

This is a volvo DP drive with hydraulic steering ... not sure where to start on this one but any tips on how this setup works and what could be causing the 'stiff' steering are appreciated ...

 

[mlines]

Our Regal had extremely stiff steering after a winter lay-up two years ago.

Ours is a Mercruiser set-up with power steering on a V8 engine with Bravo Duo-prop. However the power steering actuator is a block attached to the rear of the engine so there was still a cable from the steering wheel to the actuator. Apparently the inner corrodes and swells and it is really common for the steering to be really stiff after a winter ashore. The only cure is to replace the cable, which we did and everything was sorted. Apparently a winter action is to run the steering from lock to lock every now and again over the winter.

 

[Paul-F]

Our Regal had extremely stiff steering after a winter lay-up two years ago.

Ours is a Mercruiser set-up with power steering on a V8 engine with Bravo Duo-prop. However the power steering actuator is a block attached to the rear of the engine so there was still a cable from the steering wheel to the actuator. Apparently the inner corrodes and swells and it is really common for the steering to be really stiff after a winter ashore. The only cure is to replace the cable, which we did and everything was sorted. Apparently a winter action is to run the steering from lock to lock every now and again over the winter.

Interesting ... I'll look for a cable and see where it terminates either end, this sounds like it could be a diy fix and not cost a fortune