Steering assist

[Christindall]

Have a 27.5 sailfish 2000. Got choppy steering so I'm assuming the assist pump is out. Seastar system.. where may it be located? Or does that system have a power steering pump. Thanks

 

[SkunkBoat]

If you have power assist and it stops working, it should still work smoothly but take more effort to turn the wheel.
There is another thread going on here that says there may be a fuse on the pump.

Could be low hydraulic fluid, air in the lines, a leak, the helm, a cylinder

 

[SkunkBoat]

like everything else, a good first step is verifying power and connections and then isolate pieces to find the problem.
So, find out if you have a power assist pump. Look for a switch/breaker to power the pump. Follow the hoses to find the pump.

do you have 2 cylinders at the motors or one?

disconnect the tie bar from one and see what happens.

disconnect motors from the cylinder(s) and see if you can move them by hand. The bushings in the pivot shaft of a motor might be gummed up or just need grease..

 

[Fishtales]

https://www.greatgrady.com/threads/marlin-300-autopilot-pump-location.26968/

1.) Check fluid.
2.) Check power to and then fuse in top of pump.
3.) Test or replace pump.

 

[seasick]

I didn't see where it was stated that the boat had auto-pilot. Does it?