Steering sticky

[Jhoughton]

Hi all, wonder if anyone has any ideas about this. Rib was working fine off Welsh coast last week but on the final day the steering started getting a bit 'sticky' - not sure if that's the right word. Particularly at speed, I'd turn the wheel a tiny bit, nothing would happen, then a bit more and suddenly she'd turn, and so on. The hydraulics at the back seemed to be working fine and smoothly - maybe inside the steering mechanism? We've got twin Mariner 90s if that's any help.

Thanks for any advice.

Jim

[Phil M]

Is it more difficult to turn the wheel? My first port of call would be to give the system a quick flush through with oil to see if there are any air bubbles, which compress readily and can lead to jerky movement. If you grab the engines and try to turn them (on trailer) is there any movement?

Phil M

[willk]

That "sounds" as though the system may well be low in hydraulic steering fluid. Open the cap on the helm and shine a light in - you should see some oil. You'll need to top up and possibly bleed the system if bubbles have got into the lines. I had this happen once - the steering felt "notchy"?

IMO - don't use the boat until you resolve this - it can "give way" without further warning and you'll lose steering - probably at speed.

[Jhoughton]

Thanks both for your help. Unfortunately, I'm not going back to the boat for a few weeks but will try both suggestions then. Jim