Prop Strike Has Affected Steering

[Justinkent83]

So, did something I rarely do this past weekend. Went out for for a night cruise. The lake is my 'home' lake. Grew up on this lake, very familiar with it. Ended up hitting some debris (15mph). Other than the obvious sensation, the immediate after affect was vibration that increased with throttle. Once I got my senses about me, I stopped, idled in reverse for a few seconds, then went back to forward gear. I saw some debris behind the boat following this (underwater light mounted on the transom). Luckily after the debris was dislodged, the vibration was gone and everything seemed back to normal. Except one thing...

The steering now has some play that I'm positive wasnt there before. I investigated the bilge area amd I did notice some play in the clamp block, but none of it seemed to be forward to aft play. I had an assistant move the rudder from the outside and I could clearly see the forward/aft play resides in the cable.

My question os this. Could the cable have become stretched from the impact? I expected to see the clamp block moving too and fro, but it isn't. The slack in the wheel is about 2ish inches.

since I can see the slack in the cable down in the bilge when the rudder is manipulated, I have to assume the damage is in the cable itself (stretched) or the rack. I'm not sure exactly how they are made inside but I imagine if the rack was the issue, it would feel different. Either way it looks like the rack is part of the cable so it's all one piece.

Anyone have any advice on this before I chalk it up to needing a new steering cable?

[Matt Garcia]

Hmm..never heard of that one. I would be curious to see what others say.

[chpthril]

For the steering cable to have been altered, the rudder post would have to have been bent first.

[Justinkent83]

Chpthril, I don't see any bend in the rudder post, but I'd imagine it could be so slight it's not noticeable.

I can't come up with anything else that matches the description... I'm open to suggestions and/or theories.

[boatwakes]

I wouldn't worry about it unless it gets worse but would suggest you monitor the situation. The cable is most likely fine but the rack under helm may be worn or both. It's a pain in the *** to replace them but if yours is original, go take the boat out without passengers and see if you really feel anything different in cruise speed steering. Your call to replace or not but it may just be normal play. A new cable and rack is nice though, just did it on mine... Set replacement for the fall unless things worsen in the short term.

[Justinkent83]

*Update*

Over this past weekend, I had two friends who I surf with that are nearly as familiar with driving my boat as I am. I told neither about the situation (after i tested for safe function friday evening). Neither of them commented on amy changes, then when i told them what happened, they both commented that the steering seemed the same to them as it always had been.

This may just be a case of my sensitivity to the issue being a little... well... over sensitive. I would like to replace the cable/clamp block in the fall, but for now everything seems ok. Had her out all weekend without any issues.

Thanks everyone for your advise and wisdom!