for the old school guys the newer mercury steering uses an eletric power steering pump its very expensive it pushes fluid to the helm when it is not running the steering wheel just spins

^^^^ That sounds like a very stupid design. Why would it do that? No power, no pressure would be a better system, right? I'm not following this theory of oeration.

I thought they effectively worked like a manual system when the power fails?

that is not true. On the standard electo-hydraulic system, even if the pump shuts down, you can still steer the boat. the only way the steering wheel would just spin, would be if there was no fluid in the lines. I have had to test a boat when the pump would not run due to a connection issue. However, if its the joystic based system, it does operate differently.

I’ve had one go out on me. I could still steer my boat. Just harder to turn wheel.

It was shortly after we bought the boat. Was fine all summer, took it key largo to do some fishing in November. Second day there, that morning seemed like it had a few dead spots in it. Then normal, then stopped working while we were trolling. Dealt with it for a bit. Was able to run at speed on way back in. Just no power steering.

41 Contendor with 4 - 450 Mercurys / Very Very SAD Situation Prayers to all involved