Hydraulic steeering stiff

[Dcabot65]

Finally got some boat time and steering was stiff. Didn't have a lot of time to investigate but didn't notice where to fill fluid or reservoir location 2400trs 2016.

Thx Don

[Bamaskeet]

My unit has a fill under the steering wheel.

[SCFD rtrd.]

Look for a small black knob on the dash (about the size of a nickel). Can you be more specific about how the steering wheel feels when you turn it? When you say stiff steering, is the stiffness consistent when you spin the wheel or is it intermittent? If it's consistent, it's probably not in the steering, but more of a dry pivot shaft issue.

[smilemaker]

If it is hard to turn look at the connection of the steering to the motor. Often times there is a small plate that allows give when the motor is trimmed. It lets the connection to move front to back as it goes left right. Might need some grease.

Lack of fluid usually causes sloppy unresponsive steering.

[Stonehenge]

Let me know what the solution is when you figure it out.  Mine is the same way. 

[Moderator]

Another issue could be the adjustable zinc skeg above the prop.. Most single outboard boats turn hard to the left because of the torque of the propeller blades turning that way.  The adjustable zinc skeg above the prop is angled to counteract this torque. The bolt in the center can be loosened and the skeg turned to provide more, or less 'counter-torque'.

If the steering is hard to the right and left, you may have a different problem.

M-1

[Dcabot65]

Thank you all for the responses. Looks like I have some investigating to do, such a helpful forum this is.