I am a first time boater and bought a 1987 21' bayliner that had a new motor
installed in 1998. I was wondering if there is supposed to be some play in
the steering (Volvo 4cyl I/O 120hp), and at times is too heavy for my 11 yr
old son to turn the wheel comfortably - I guess we got spoiled when we drove
a 1985 19' Mark Twain with power steering. We did drive a 1986 Bayliner
that had horrible steering, that at time was nearly improssible to turn and
had a tough time holding a course. Is this a Bayliner design issue or a
wear/adjustment issue?

Is the heavy steering and some play of maybe 4 inches 'normal' for a boat of
this size?

Can it be adjusted or does something have to be replaced or lubed?

Would a Clymer manual be a good maint procedure source?
thanks,
John