1998 180BR power steering problem

[thawarrior10]

Hey everyone! I recently bought a 180br from a local guy. Took it out this weekend for its maiden voyage and I noticed that the steering was REALLY hard to turn in any direction. I checked the fluid level and it was spot on. Any suggestions? I've researched around and some suggest it might be the cable but how would I test to see if its the cable or the power steering pump? Any suggestions would be nice! I have a Mercruiser 3.0L/LX with an Alpha One Engine. Thanks!!!!! :smt100

 

[WaterDoc]

I have same problem but will have a mechanic check it this week (I hope).
Level is spot on 'cold' but a little low 'hot.' Not sure what that means.
My mechanic may check the cable because my boat has never had the steering cable replaced.