Power Steering
 

Over the past year my steering has become much more difficult and it's more difficult when it is colder. I have a 94 4.3 Mercruser Alpha I. The power steering fluid is full and the belt is tight. Would I need to replace the power steering unit or the rack & pinion? What should I check?

There is a filter in the power steering pump that needs tho be changed periodicly, per your owners manual. However, if my memory serves me, there is a cable that goes to a slave hydrolic cylinder, that may be in need of replacement. Some cables have a grease fitting and if it hasn't been serviced the cable should be replaced.
I would recommend that you find the problem now, as opposed to finding out after a collision from not being able to steer the boat.

Hope this helps.

The cables may need lubrication. Who does your layup and spring launch?

check/lubricate the steering cable. if it really stiff, just replace it. not worth the time trying to lubricate it then drive and lube some more. start fresh with a new cable in the older boat and it will good as new