How to fix a Boat & Outboard with a Steering Problem

How to repair your outboard motor when the steering locks up or becomes stuck and can't turn the steering wheel.

[@michaelpalmer7641]

Yep, really good info. I like your method of dealing with the problem. Thank you !

[@danielmartin8035]

The zirk fitting does not grease the steering shaft. It forces grease around the OUTSIDE of the tilt tube so the motor can tilt up and down. The steering shaft travels on the inside of the tilt tube.

[@saltwaterfishingtampa]

Yes. Found that out thanks! I grease that almost each trip out. It gets easily stuck if it’s not used for even a couple weeks. Saltwater!

[@brianwest1501]

Good job! Thanks for the knowledge!

[@scottballesteros8366]

I was having the same problem. Thanks for the video it really helped on my 2014 pro 16 skiff.

[@saltwaterfishingtampa]

That's great! Am Happy that helped you out. Love those Mako's. Excellent boats. Thanks for Watching!

[@eamonnocarroll5866]

Thanks so much - I have same problem - Eamonn / Ireland- Galway Bay

[@saltwaterfishingtampa]

Glad it helped

[@BeamsOutdoors]

I have the same problem with my 90 model bullet I'm gonna give this a try

[@frankiebuzzo4281]

Thanks for the video. Worked like a charm on 17 ft mako

[@saltwaterfishingtampa]

You're Very Welcome. Glad that Helped you out. Those Mako's are nice boats! Really Stable too. Thanks for the Comments and Watching.

[@chrishall2458]

Great info. Thanks!

[@traviskerr6037]

Thank you. This video saved the day/trip

[@FishOnFriOnF2O]

it’s work yahooooo… thank you for sharing this video.

[@mialinakakes]

How do you keep the motor stable when trailering? So it doesnt fall over side to side?

[@saltwaterfishingtampa]

There’s a transom saver bracket that’s connected to the trailer and a “V” type rubber cushion that holds it in place. Once the transom saver is hooked to the trailer, I lower the motor so it pushes against the V-type rubber cushion and it’s held in place. The outboard won’t bounce down the road and it saves the transom from stress. Hope that helps. Thanks for Watching!

[@bmann792]

So I have a merc 90 outboard 2 stroke. It is impossible to turn it left with the boat moving forward. It turns fine when the boat is on the trailer. Any ideas?

[@saltwaterfishingtampa]

My only guess would be if you have trim tabs that aren't set correctly in tandem. See, it turns easily out of the water but once under power, it's difficult to turn one way. Also, If you don't have trim tabs, There's a guide fin on the rear of your motor above the prop. That may be out of line so check that too. It has to be centered correctly otherwise it will pull your motor to one side or the other. Hope that helps and Thanks for watching!

[@eamonnocarroll5866]

Thanks

[@saltwaterfishingtampa]

You’re Welcome!

[@p_rocdap1453]

Too bad you didn't show how you actually got the arm unstuck, when vice grips don't move it

[@saltwaterfishingtampa]

If I recall, It took a lot of elbow grease and constant back and forth movement to free it. It's amazing how fast that arm will freeze up if it's not kept greased. Now I usually grease the steering arm before each trip by lowering the engine and turning the steering wheel each way and then apply marine grease to the steering shaft. Thanks for the comment and Watching.

[@rexcro]

I came today to my boat today after 2 months. My battery was empty and the steering wheel is stucked. I will try to unleashed it like you did it. Thx.

[@saltwaterfishingtampa]

We’re you able to free the stuck steer arm? I always greased the arm with marine wheel bearing grease before each trip. I loved the steering wheel back and forth before I left home to make sure it works. Then I’d add grease for good measure. Glad that helped! Thanks for Watching! Scott

[@rexcro]

@@saltwaterfishingtampa thx for your fast answer. I will try unleaash it tomorrow.