Steering on 370 DA

[BWtch370]

Hi Everyone! I was curious to see what most everyone has on the 370 for steering. I believe that most of the boats are hydraulic steering but mine, however, is cable! Its a 95' DA and I have play in the steering like 1/4 turn worth, but the steering is a little stiff but not very stiff. My question: those of you 37 owners that have cable steering, do you have play in the steering like I do or am I worth buying a new cable....but I don't want to put 2k into hydraulic steering yet! Please help!! Thanks! Joe

 

[Paul_P]

I have this same question. I have a 92' 330 EC with cable steering. This is my first boat so I really do not know how a boat with power / hydraulic steering handles. I have to assume that it would be much easier turning the wheel on a boat with power steering than a boat with straight manual cable steering. I have at least a 1/4 turn - maybe more of play. I feel like I am constantly sawing at the wheel under power , but I think its the play I am compensating for. Once you get past all the play in the wheel it is pretty stiff to turn after that. Addressing this issue is on my short list for the winter by either adjusting , cleaning / lubing the cable or looking into power steering. Thanks - Paul

 

[randerson]

Hi Everyone! I was curious to see what most everyone has on the 370 for steering. I believe that most of the boats are hydraulic steering but mine, however, is cable! Its a 95' DA and I have play in the steering like 1/4 turn worth, but the steering is a little stiff but not very stiff. My question: those of you 37 owners that have cable steering, do you have play in the steering like I do or am I worth buying a new cable....but I don't want to put 2k into hydraulic steering yet! Please help!! Thanks! Joe

BWtch,

I sold my 95 370 earlier this year. I too experienced the exactly same problem you are having.

The first thing I did was tightened up the steering to remove play. I did this by reaching up under the helm and found there were 4 bolts that were not tight. It was a tight fit trying to reach up with both arms. It did take some of the excess play out of the steering but..........

I still felt the steering was too stiff. I disconnected the cable from the rudders, the steering was much easier without any load. Checked the rudders (boat was out of the water) and determined it wasn't a bent rudder shaft. After looking at the access, I decided to call in a local marine service technician. He confiirmed that I had a cable problem.

I hired him to do the work, it was about 6 hours of labor plus parts. I also had to pay some travel time but my total bill was just under $1,000. Glad I did it, the steering was SOOOO MUCH better. I was likely operating my boat with a disaster waiting to happen. Who knows what happens when you lose your steering control? The cable was really shot.

I was so glad I didn't tackle this myself. I was present on and off during the install and it seems half the cockpit was taken apart. The entire helm seat had to be removed and slid aside just to access the old cable and get it out of there.

My money was well spent, good luck!

 

[BWtch370]

Thanks for the reply Andy! I actually do have a slightly bent rudder on the port side that I have to get fixed. I didn't think that it would affect the steering that much but it does!... I will get that fixed and hopefully it will be a lot easier to steer. Thanks for the input!!!!
Joe