Stiff Steering

[DAZZOS1]

Hello everyone,I have owned a 1996 Maxim 4.3 petrol 1900sr for 3 years,when I purchased I noticed the steering was a lot stiffer than on all the boats I have hired in the past ,I am new to owning my own speedboat,just before I took it out of the water for the winter (I live in Corfu ,Greece) it was really difficult to steer when parking or at very low speeds,I have looked under the dashboard and there is a black steel rack with a black pipe attached ,can anyone recommend changing this to solve my problem or any other suggestions,also where to purchase such items that I need ,kind regards,I could send pictures if required
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[mmwjr]

Is this boat equipped with power steering assist? I.e. is there a power steering pump on the front of the engine? If so verify the fluid level is correct. No power steering or correct fluid level then most likely the steering cable needs replacement.

[DAZZOS1]

Many thanks for your reply,an engineer has just taken the cable off complete with the rack because it says do not disassemble,

It also has power steering unit but once disconnected from the pump it was still very stiff so obviously it is the cable,also the boat is in salt water and not freshwater,

kind regards