The boat I bought has been sitting for a while and is soon to be back in the water. Going through all the final details I noticed the steering is HARD to turn. It has power steering but I havent got to start it and run it while all the belts and pulleys were put on so my question is, is the steering always tough to turn without the pump working or once the boat is running and the pulleys i.e. power steering pump are all working will the steering loosen up or would it be the same as now and Im needing a new cable?

Mine turns pretty easy with engine not running,I would take a look at cable might be kinked or frayed

Its pretty easy to identify this problem, unhook your steering cable behind the motor. Prob a pin with a cotter key in it. The steering wheel should spin with ease, if it is still stiff, pull the cable.