Possible Lower Unit Damage

[GCartwright]

I'm a new boater and had a fairly slow speed collision(5mph) with a submerged log last week. I could feel the back of the boat being lifted as the motor went over the log.
I can't see any visual damage but the steering was really tight after the collision. When I got it back on land the steering seemed to free up as I moved the motor by hand and with the wheel quite easy. I took it out on the water again and found that under power the steering continues to be tight.


Any suggestions on what I should look at.

130 Yamaha LRTP

 

[Natty Light]

Re: Possible Lower Unit Damage

I'm a new boater and had a fairly slow speed collision(5mph) with a submerged log last week. I could feel the back of the boat being lifted as the motor went over the log.
I can't see any visual damage but the steering was really tight after the collision. When I got it back on land the steering seemed to free up as I moved the motor by hand and with the wheel quite easy. I took it out on the water again and found that under power the steering continues to be tight.


Any suggestions on what I should look at.

130 Yamaha LRTP

I doubt that a collision that slow could do any significant damage. Check the lower unit right above the propeller. There should be tab there called a "trim tab". It looks like a little fin. It's job is to counteract the thrust of the prop and can affect your steering. see if it's still there.

 

[GCartwright]

Re: Possible Lower Unit Damage

I doubt that a collision that slow could do any significant damage. Check the lower unit right above the propeller. There should be tab there called a "trim tab". It looks like a little fin. It's job is to counteract the thrust of the prop and can affect your steering. see if it's still there.

The trim tab is there, the boat runs nicely except for the steering being stiff and jerky