Aloha Friday
New Member
Just looking for thoughts on my first problem with our 2006 220 SD. We keep the boat in dry storage and have about 150 hours on the motor. A few months ago, one of the marina workers commented that my steering wheel seemed a bit hard to turn as he launched the boat in the river. While it seemed tighter than normal, once we got underway and on plane, the steering seemed normal. As it was still early Spring, I thought that the colder temperatures had some sort of effect on the viscosity of the power steering fluid.
Anyway, today with 91 degree temperatures in Charleston, SC the problem seemed quite pronounced and obviously not temperature related. It took two hands to steer the boat and was espicially difficult at slow speeds of 1000 - 1500 RPM. We had a great day at anchor but brought the boat back to the marina early as cruising was just plain annoying. I have checked the power steering fluid and the levels seem right on the money at both cold and hot conditions. Nothing is wrapped around the prop.
It almost seems that the problem is behind the steering wheel as I can feel varying resistance as I turn the wheel back and forth. I'm planning on calling my dealer on Monday, but thought there might be some thoughts or suggestions out here from boaters with more experience than moi.
Any thoughts?
Jim
Anyway, today with 91 degree temperatures in Charleston, SC the problem seemed quite pronounced and obviously not temperature related. It took two hands to steer the boat and was espicially difficult at slow speeds of 1000 - 1500 RPM. We had a great day at anchor but brought the boat back to the marina early as cruising was just plain annoying. I have checked the power steering fluid and the levels seem right on the money at both cold and hot conditions. Nothing is wrapped around the prop.
It almost seems that the problem is behind the steering wheel as I can feel varying resistance as I turn the wheel back and forth. I'm planning on calling my dealer on Monday, but thought there might be some thoughts or suggestions out here from boaters with more experience than moi.
Any thoughts?
Jim