89 Tracker steering

[woodduck17]

I recently bought this 89 Tracker Pro 17 with a 40HP Evinrude. My problem is slow speed steering. The wheel will turn much more in one direction than the other. Makes it very interesting putting boat on trailer in the current. Is there any way to adjust the steering cable so I can get somewhat equal angles on the motor?

 

[Texasmark]

Re: 89 Tracker steering

The only thing I can think of is that the rod from the end of your steering arm to the front of the engine is the wrong length, or the engine may have multiple holes for mounting the cable to it and you need to use the one that will give you the most travel....the one farthest forward (toward the front of the boat) on the engine.<br /><br />Assuming you have the Morse teleflex single cable system which mounts thru the engines mounting brackets, if it runs out of travel prior to your engine being in the desired position, says your rod is the wrong length.<br /><br />Best guess I have.<br /><br />Mark

 

[Texasmark]

Re: 89 Tracker steering

Additional comment. Might also disconnect the cable from the engine (the rod I was referring to) and do 2 things:<br /><br />1. See that you can manually move the engine back and forth equal amounts.<br /><br />2. Turn the steering wheel lock to lock and measure the distance the end of the rod (of the steering cable) that connects to the rod I referred to that connects to the engine, moves....say 10" lock to lock. Then center the end (5" from engine bracket) and center your engine. See if the rod mentioned earlier is aligned with both the hole in the engine and hole in the steering rod. If not make it happen and your problem should be solved.<br /><br />Mark

 

[woodduck17]

Re: 89 Tracker steering

Going by the part number on the arm,the diagram says it is the right one---but If it was 1 inch longer it would be much better. I adjusted the threaded sleeve on the motor and gained a little but would like more movement in that direction. I am coming up short on left turns,which means when the cable is retracted. It looks like if i moved the rod to the mounting hole toward the front of the boat it would actually shorten the rotation in that direction.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: 89 Tracker steering

So what are you going to do?<br /><br />Mark

 

[woodduck17]

Re: 89 Tracker steering

We have 30 mph winds with blowing snow and the boat sits outside so I will try the suggestions when the weather breaks in a couple of days. Thanks for the help, Mark.