Hard steering

[Walter P]

I have a 1982 Series 1 48' MY with the original Hatteras steering system in place. Normally I find
that the effort required to turn the wheel is really hard. Yesterday I had the boat out in 100 deg
temps bringing her back to my home base slip from a mid season haul out to change zincs, clean
the bottom/running gear and polish the hull. I noticed a marked change in the amount of effort
to turn the wheel... it was almost one finger easy (not quite). Any ideas? I have been told that the
hydralic oil is too thick (viscosity) and some years ago I asked the yard to change the oil to Mil spec
or equivalent. Well I noticed no change until yesterday.

Bobk has operated my boat in the past and told me it seemed a little stiff but his is also a little stiff
and it appears normal. I like an easy wheel like I had on my previous Hatts. Any thoughts.....

Walt

 

[saltshaker]

Oil would be my first thought. If there's transmission fluid in there it will be very stiff. Do you have power assured steering? If so check the pump and the servo.

 

[Boatsb]

There's other things that can make it stiff.

Pun intended.

But the fluid only effects it in colder weather.

 

[SEVEN]

Did ou watch the boat being hauled? Could the yard have found something on your rutters that could have impeded the steering? Just a thought.

 

[Walter P]

Probably bad oil... I will ask the yard guys to change it to the proper oil and see what that happens.

Walt