Hard steering

[ae708]

I have a 1998 Manta Ray 179 with a 130 Mercruiser I/O. It has always been hard to steer. It seems to take a lot of effort to turn. Is there anything that can be done other than hydraulic or power steering? I've had it checked by the dealer twice and they say it's fine. I'll never buy another I/O without PS. Plus the bowsteer at "no wake" speeds is terrible. This is my first I/O.. is this a trait of this type of boat? I think the more I use this boat the more I like outboards.

 

[Trent]

Re: Hard steering

V-Hull boats do that at low speed. After awhile of driving it at slow speed you will learn how not to over correct your steering. Outboards do it also.

 

[ae708]

Re: Hard steering

I've learned not to overcorrect after driving it since '98. I was just wondering if there was any way to lessen the problem. As for the hard steering at speed I'll probably have to either install hydraulic steering or sell this thing and buy another boat. Maybe a good used outboard.. 17 - 19 feet with 150 -200 Mercury. Only thing is a new outboard now costs as much as I paid for this whole rig.. boat, trailer, I/O. The only reason I can see to have an I/O is the cost.

 

[Trent]

Re: Hard steering

Try adjusting your trim tab fin. <br />Somtimes hydrofoils help also.

 

[ae708]

Re: Hard steering

Trent.... I've adjusted the trim tab so that's done. I have been thinking about getting a hydrofoil. I was just concerned that a hydrofoil might not let the bow rise enough on plane. I guess they aren't very expensive though so if I had to remove it I won't have wasted much money. How do they work and what exactly do they do?

 

[thornious]

Re: Hard steering

I found for the bowsteer problem If you put weight up front at slow speeds the boat will steer much better and stay straighter