Hard to steer at all speeds

[07vlxsilver]

Hi all, had a couple questions regarding the steering on an 07 Vlx. Was out today and out of the blue the steering got extremely stiff at all speeds and made it very difficult to drive (especially surfing). After reading alot of these threads which are extremely helpful by the way. It seems like a new cable is needed? My other question is it still safe to drive for another day on the water planned for tmrw or will most likely get me stranded needing a tow? Any thoughts would help.

[justgary]

The cable probably won't get stiff all at once, it's more of a gradual thing.  Your issue may be with your rudder. 

Contort yourself into the space and put exactly two shots of grease into the zerk fitting on the rudder.  Resist the huge urge to put extra grease in it.  More is *not* better.  If that helps, you are probably done with the repair.

It could also be a bent rudder, which is much more likely to happen suddenly.  Inspect the rudder from below the boat to see if the shaft is bent where it comes through the hull.  If it is, you found your problem.