Have a donzi 26zx with factory lathem hydraulic steering assist, new boat to me have never Owned a boat with external steering.

Question is if the boat is off I can move the out drive by hand to the right but not to the left, won't budge. Turn the boat on and can't move it either way. Is this normal?

Initially was under the impression I wouldn't be able to move it either way with boat on or off.

Don't want to rebuild the ram if not needed.

Im no expert on how these work but I'll try my best. I would say that when on, the system is under pressure and should not be able to move either way by pushing on the drive. This is the benefit of having it when running in rough water. The drive stays where you want it pointed and will not push the wheel around in your hand. Why it would move one direction and not the other when not under power? Could be based upon the valve/plumming in the system. But I do want to say that I can not push my drives either way when not under pressure. Not sure if having twin drives makes a difference.

I'm sure somebody who knows more will chime in and say how wrong I am....

Single ram I assume??? And I'll bet the ram is on left as well???

Probably normal.

Bleed air out at ram while engine running on hose. Go lock to lock on wheel and crack hose on ram one at a time to belch air out. Never allow pump to go empty while bleeding system.

Ram is on the right side, yes single ram.

I can not more my single ram either way by hand with the engine on or off.

I think that answers my question. I'm going to have it rebuilt

Is yours full hydraulic or assist. The OP has assist. That may make a difference.

Padraig

You are probably just pushing it back through the low pressure return when not running. to double check, check the level in the reservoir, then push the drive and see if it rises.

Oops sorry. Yes mine is full hydraulic. I missed the assist.