[ReelMagic]

I own a 2003 38 Open and it has a Seastar steering system. You are correct it uses sea star fluid and goes in at the helm station steering wheel. There should be a chrome cap on the top of the dash just behind the wheel that fills the steering wheel. The rudders are moved via a hydraulic cylinder connected to the steering and rudders which is located under the stern fish well (the big well at the stern). If the fluid level is low you may feel what you described. suggest you make sure the system is full. If it requires fluid there is a process that should be followed.