Tight Steering Issue

[Thelma Jean I]

Hello all!!

My steering is really tight.. added fluid and it is still a little tight.. any suggestions?

[mjk1040]

Disconnect control arm at the rudders, try steering again, if not tight anymore, then rudder shaft packings may be too tight.
If no change, then steering pump at the helm may need rebuilding. Also check if there's a air tank in the hydraulic line, if so check that it has at least 30 psi on the gauge. Not sure which type of steering system in that year boat.