Thanks RAP for the no feedback suggestion.
The steering is OMC power assist. It is what came with the boat. The system pressure tested OK and the gear box was in good shape so I decided to use it. The alternatives were quite expensive compared to a couple of new hoses for the power assist. I am going to bleed the system to see if impingement is the problem.
There are quite a few details like that to take care of before the next launch.

BassOMatic II