Steering Issues

[nfrost5]

I noticed last time out that steering my X-9 has become increasingly difficult especially at low speeds. Does anyone no what might be causing the problem and is it an easy fix?

[EJohn]

nfrost,

You may need a new steering cable. It will eventually break and leave you with no steering. It just happened to us but luckily my wife was close to the dock.

It is a fairly easy fix. just make sure when you remove to old cable you connect a fish tape or something to pull the new cable through with. Contact the guys at www.skidim.com they will help you find the right cable and advice on how to change it.

[starrski]

my '01 prostar 209 has steering cable issues too. Using a high quality marine grease (blue stuff) on the rear steering zerks is really important. After it sits a while (because we ignore our riding fix) it needs exercise to work it into the ends, especially the port turns. I find on this model it needs more care than previously MC's I have owned. I tend to grease it every 3-4 tanks of fuel, and/or after it has sat for a month or so.

If you feel some wiggle in your turns, the grease needs to be refilled to keep out the air/water bubbles. This helps prevent the later problem of tightness if your boat sits lonely for a while.