Merc/ Alpha steering issue

[drewpster]

I am working on a Monterrey with a 4.3 Merc and an Alpha outdrive with power assisted steering. The boat is snaking back and forth at low speeds. I have found some slight wear in the outdrive. The cable end at the helm looks good. The helm is a tilt (Teleflex) and has some wear. I am getting a new helm. Any checks I need to make back at the tiller? The outdrive feels tight from side to side when checked by hand. Think the helm is the cause?
BTW- the owner has a whale tail on the cavitation plate. I talked her into removing it.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Merc/ Alpha steering issue

The boat is snaking back and forth at low speeds.

Ayuh,... You mightfind a Problem, But, That's pretty much Normal,+ expected...

 

[drewpster]

Re: Merc/ Alpha steering issue

Really? I have never owned a boat that wandered to and fro like a car with bad alignment unless the steering was toast. Are we talking about the same thing?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Merc/ Alpha steering issue

Ayuh,...
Most I/O, V-hulls wander at Idle....

If it steers Fine at speeds,... It's the nature of it..
Less correction usually tames it..

Not that there Couldn't be steering Slop contributing to the issue...

 

[drewpster]

Re: Merc/ Alpha steering issue

The helm was certainly not helping. There is a ton of slop in the tilt mechenism. Its good to know I wont be tearing in to that outdrive.