slop in steering

[JAL51974]

I know that v-hulls are bad for poor steering at slow speeds, but is there any simple test I can do to determine if I need to be concerned about this in my 1985 Bayliner Capri? It has a standard single handle throttle control, cables controlling steering wheel look like they must have been replaced at some point. <br /><br />Or is it my novice skills in steering that is to blame?<br /><br />Joe

 

[ufm82]

Re: slop in steering

This is a regular post and I made it too. V-hulls all wander to some extent. My Bayliner 2052 Cuddy was real bad but the steering wasn't at fault. My ProLine 190 I have now did it a bit until I installed Smart Tabs and that kind of fixed that. ( I didn't get them for that- that was a bonus.) <br /><br /> Truth is, it may wander but in the end it goes straight, right? You can learn to make tiny corrections all the time or you can just live with it like everyone else does. <br /><br /> Unless there really is a loose connection, or you have a helm that is really worn, boat steering doesn't get "loose".<br /><br />UFM82

 

[JAL51974]

Re: slop in steering

UFM82-<br /><br />That is kind of what I thought about learning to steer with tiny corrections.<br /><br />How would I tell if the helm was really worn or a loose connection?<br /><br />Joe

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: slop in steering

Stand at the back of the boat with the leg lowered.<br /><br />Grab hold of the leg and move it gently from side to side. Watch the steering wheel.<br /><br />Does the steering wheel move in unison to the leg?<br />If 'yes' - your o/k. If 'no', you've got excessive play somewhere. Old 270's will have a bit of play anyway.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: slop in steering

Hi Dunaruna,<br /><br />What kind of steering do you have?<br />I've just tried your suggestion with a few boats around here, and not once can I budge the steering wheel by swinging the outboard. It just stays static. They all have cable steering.<br /><br />All the outboards have play - mostly under an inch at the stern of the AV plate - and I have not heard anyone complaining that this could be the reason for any steering wander.<br /><br />Our own workboat has just under one inch of play, and it tracks straight and true. Any normal play will be taken up by the prop torque when under way.<br /><br />Looks like wander is more a product of hull design than steering slop.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: slop in steering

Stillfishing, he has got a VP270 outdrive. They often develope play in and around the pivot tube (which is also the raw water intake). Moving the drive from side to side while standing at the back of the boat will show if that pivot tube needs new bushes - the drive moves but the wheel doesn't.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[JAL51974]

Re: slop in steering

thanks for that tip Aldo and I will check it out this week and let you know what I find.<br /><br />Joe

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: slop in steering

Gotcha Aldo,<br /><br />Thanks.

 

[JAL51974]

Re: slop in steering

Aldo,<br /><br />I checked the play in the steering as you suggested, there is a very slight movement of the leg prior to the wheel moving, almost nothing at all. I guess the "wandering" in steering is due to my lack of experience and over correcting while steering.<br /><br />Joe

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: slop in steering

You've got what's called 'keel steer'. It affect many boats. Slight and often corrections are required - it will become second nature with practice.<br /><br />A dowlfin/whale tail/ hydrofoil will help but there are trade offs with that type of devise. Trim tabs work great if you got the $$.<br /><br />I often troll and was afflicted with the same wandering. Moving weight to the rear helps (get the nose up). A doel fin fixed it but I lost top end which didn't bother me.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: slop in steering

http://www.mercstuff.com/gimbalringwear.htm