With non hydraloic steering how muc play should I have in the steering wheel? Presently I can move the drives by hand about on inch ,side to side.

You might. What you need to look at is how much movement is ocurring inside the boat when the drives are moving and which part is moving. If the drives move and the steering arm doesnt you have an issue between the gimbal and the arm. If the arm is moving and the junction between the steering cable is loose, it may just need to be tightened. All parts are visible, just find out where the movement is happening.

Thanks Isptech, I'll check again ,but as I looked today it seemed to move in the steering unit , where the cable comes in it would move out turned one way and back in when turned the other way. What effect would that have on a SAFETY stand point could it break and if so what would the result be say traveling at 50 mph?

Movement in the steering cable is usually caused by wear in the barrel. This will not cause breakage, just slop. If the cable starts to bind or jump then it may break and needs attention soon. A break at 40-50 on most boats will cause some pucker, but will not likely flip the boat except in aggravating circumstances (wake, wave, close boats or objects). If it jumps, jerks or has a very loose spot, get on it soon.

I think if it caused you to be concerned about it I would replace whatever is worn. Nothing like worring about stuff while you and your family are trying to have a good time, at least for piece of minds sake. Do you have external steering on it?

No it it is cable power steering ,, but after further investigation I believe it is a gimbil problem

Gimbal bearing is not to bad to change, pull the drive off and use a slide hammer to remove it. Hillbilly can give you some good advice on changing it.

I'm thinking he means Gimbal housing, were it pivots.

That could take a couple extra minutes.