Steering slop - Motor or steering or normal?

[Tinkerer2]

I put the 15 foot fibreglass forward steer runabout with the rebuilt 1967 60 HP V4 Evinrude in the water a couple of days ago and all is well, except it wanders at low speed even in still water.<br /><br />Going down a kilometre or so of creek with no real tidal flow or current I was turning the wheel all the time to try to keep it on course. <br /><br />I expect I'll get better at anticipating the lag between steering movements and directional result, but this ain't precise steering.<br /><br />It's a rod connected to the motor at the end of a flexible cable connected to the steering wheel. It's properly mounted on a ball joint on the transom. It's a Morse cable on a Mercury Quicksilver Ride Guide steering wheel / steering box, probably late 1960's.<br /><br />There seems like a few inches play in the wheel but when I look under the dash at the steering box the system is moving as soon as the wheel turns. Seems like there's a bit of take up along the cable before it moves the motor.<br /><br />I realise that low speed handling isn't precise, and it might just be me expecting too much after the immediate response of a tiller steer on a light 12 foot timber dinghy.<br /><br />Does it sound about normal?

 

[Spidybot]

Re: Steering slop - Motor or steering or normal?

Two main concerns:<br /><br />a) If you have a planing design hull (no real keel), the boat is designed to move relatively fast through (on) the water and will, consequently, wander at low speeds. The prop's movement initiates this, but at some speeds the wander eliminates itself to an average 'straight' if you do no not interfer too much by trying to steer.<br /><br />b) Should your setup allow slack beyond the little needed to allow things to work, this will make the wander more noticeable when/if you attempt to correct it. It will take large steeringwheel movements as you'll overcome the slack in each direction everytime you enter the zig-zag course.<br /><br />If yout boat handles OK when planing or even going approx. 1/4 throttle, I'd say your slack isn't the worry.

 

[OBJ]

Re: Steering slop - Motor or steering or normal?

Hi Tinkerer....having control of the boat at all speeds is a must from a safety point of view. Not only to the boat but to you and the passengers as well.<br /><br />Look at the steering cable going back to the motor. If it's hung like Xmas decorations with sags and bends or if you see any cracks in the sheath, I would condider replaceing the steering system with one that fits. You can get the whole steering system including helm for under $200 in most cases. All you do is add the steering wheel.<br /><br />Keep us posted.