loss of steering control

[alden135]

I have a 1972 16 ft. crestliner which I mounted a 1979 evinrude 85 motor. The boat handles well untill about 28 mph. At this point I am only at half throttle when the bow begins to veer to portand the steering becomes unresponsive, forcing me to back down to regain control. Is this just to much motor for this hull or is it a solveable problem? Any ideas would be helpful-Thanks

 

[Solittle]

Re: loss of steering control

alden - Could you be a bit more descriptive on what type steering you have and what it is doing? Telling us that "steering becomes unresponsive" dosen't give us much to go on.

 

[alden135]

Re: loss of steering control

I have cable and pully steering (I never liked teleflex anyway). When the boat reaches around 28mph it begins to veer and just cannot be controlled. The boat leans to and directs to port and will only straighten out if I way overcompensate at the helm. My weight is well distributed and secure in the boat. I was a navy coxswain so i know how to handle a boat. I just wonder if it's the hull shape of this old runabout combined with the big 85 horse or does the adjustable fin on the lower unit need some attention. Any suggestions would be helpful.Thanks

 

[Yepblaze]

Re: loss of steering control

For the loss of control:<br />I think it might be trimmed in too much. Try kicking it out away from the transom some.<br /><br />For the pulling, or veering:<br />If it pulls during cruise turn the adjustable fin towards the direction of the pull.

 

[Bondo]

Re: loss of steering control

Does the motor Fit the transom ??????<br />Do you have a 20" Motor on a 15" Transom ???????<br />Is the Cav-Plate At or Near the bottom of the Hull ???? Or Below it ????<br />Something is Very Wrong........

 

[Chris1956]

Re: loss of steering control

Alden, I do not think the motor is too big for the boat, especially if the problem occurs at only 28 MPH. I suspect you have "bowsteer". To correct this, I would first trim the motor out. If this does not solve the problem I would examine the boat's hull for imperfections (hook, rocker etc) that influence the handling at speed.<br /><br />BTW, With a 85HP motor, that boat should cruise at 35MPH and handle nicely.

 

[alden135]

Re: loss of steering control

Thanks to chris , bondo and yep. I will be checking out all your ideas and will get back to you on it after the weekend.