Danger! help! Cant turn the wheel back under power

[broken08]

Hello and thanks in advance. Newish to boating.

1978 Larson bowrider, merc io 165hp alpha1 non-power-steering

I have been getting this boat up to snuff and lubing up everything, now the wheel turns easily without drag, outdrive moves no problem. however while under anything above say 1/4 throttle if I make a hard turn (think picking up a downed wakeboarder) I can't turn the thing back. I have to crank super hard to the point I'm afraid I'll break the plastic old steering wheel, or let the power almost entirely off and then I can turn back.
I have recently swithed to a 4 blade prop in hopes it would help, but it didnt.
trim tab adjusted hard right without improvement.
I know it should be hard without ps, but this hard? no way, this is dangerous!
thanks!

 

[Kainon]

Re: Danger! help! Cant turn the wheel back under power

Which way is it hard to turn, left or right ? You may have made it worse by adjusting to the right, when you may have need it left.

I have the same problem once the boat cuts into a turn, i have a 21' alum and had a 1.98 ratio with a 23p prop and thought that was the issue, haven't been able to test since.

 

[broken08]

Re: Danger! help! Cant turn the wheel back under power

It is hard in both directions. The boat drives pretty straight too.

 

[Kainon]

Re: Danger! help! Cant turn the wheel back under power

Thinking about the problem.. hmmm..

One of the things i was going to do is try a Teleflex 4.2 Steering unit, versus the regular 3 turn unit, thinking I'd get a more mechanical advantage. My year didn't have Powersteering.

http://www.iboats.com/NFB-Rotary-Pa...8179703--**********.897206480--view_id.169492

• The most revolutionary advancement in mechanical steering since the Teleflex helical cable.
• Built with the same emphasis on safety, durability, and performance as the Big-T and Rack steering systems,
• The newly designed No-Feedback helm unit locks out torque feedback from the engine to the steering wheel, reducing driver fatigue.
• The precision die cast zinc helm unit uses the new QCII? helical cable assembly for quick and easy installation.

• Features:
• Patented No-Feedback mechanism
• Compact rotary helm unit
• Standard 3/4" tapered shaft
• 4.2 turns lock-to-lock
• Utilizes same bezels as Quick Connect Steering System
• Exceeds A.B.Y.C. safety standards and N.M.M.A. certification requirements. Available in Single Cable for V4 & smaller, 50MPH or less and Dual Cable Systems for V6, 50MPH+.

• Applications:
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