Expert: Jeff Grigg - 2/18/2008

Question
After leaving my boat (old Haines Hunter) in the shed for 3 months, the steering has jammed. The motor is a Yamaha 75 2-stroke and the steering cables etc. were replaced 12 months ago. I have a theory that a seal is missing, hence the jam. Anyway, I have disconnected the port side link arm and check that the engine pivots ok but (as my "mate" turned the steering wheel right and left whilst it was disconnected) I think the cable has now disconnected as even though I have reconnected the link arm, the wheel turns but the motor doesn't. I think that the arm that goes through the motor is seized due to the grease hardening or influx of gunk due to missing seal. Should I now disconnect the starboard side and check this out? Any detailed instructions would be good.

Thanks
Steve

Answer
Steve, go back through my past answers, I have covered this in detail a number of times. If the steering wheel turns and the cable doesn't them more than likely the helm is stripped. You will need to install a new helm. Remove the old helm and carefully inspect the cable before you buy a new helm as it could be damaged.
The cable becomes stuck from lack of use, lack of proper lubrication and /or rusting in the tilt tube.
Jeff