05 Marlin with steering issue

[Shannon C.]

Hi all, it’s great to be back, I’m having a little issue with steering at low speed. There is a little play in the wheel and a difficult to turn.

Do I need to add more fluid?
Does is sound like the pump at the helm is going?
Is the a additional pump that can be installed downstream?
should be able to turn with 1 finger right!

Thanks,

 

[SkunkBoat]

Could be low fluid/air pocket. That would imply there is a leak somewhere.
Could be Helm...dirty/rusty shuttle valve.
Could be that a motor, or both, have steering pivot bound up with dry grease.
You can add power assist pump to steering.

You have an upper station? That adds complexity...

 

[blindmullet]

To many variables with limited info. Pull the bleeding instructions off their site and work through it. If you can grab another set of hands it works much better.

 

[Fishtales]

Check the fuses near the battery as well. Quick check to eliminate this. GW uses 2 30a fuses in water proof holders near the battery. There are 2 40a fuses in the SeastR unit itself.

 

[Shannon C.]

Thanks guys for the input, all fixed, bled the air out and added fluid.

 

[Shannon C.]

Could be low fluid/air pocket. That would imply there is a leak somewhere.
Could be Helm...dirty/rusty shuttle valve.
Could be that a motor, or both, have steering pivot bound up with dry grease.
You can add power assist pump to steering.

You have an upper station? That adds complexity...

I’m interested in this power assist pump, do you have one installed? If so, is there a big difference? Thanks!

 

[SkunkBoat]

I don't have it but it works well on other boats.
Its not a fix for the other problems you might have. You have to fix that first.
IMO I would add Autopilot before power steering or add both.

https://www.dometic.com/en-us/outdo.../dometic-seastar-steering-power-assist-247519