stern drive steering looseness

[bessary]

I have a 1991 Stingray 536 with the 4.3 and Alpha 1 drive. There seems to be quite a bit of "play" in the steering. If I accelerate hard, either from being still or already moving, the boat immediately pulls to the left, and it seems to take too much turning of the wheel before the drive responds, and corrects my heading.

After reading several posts on this subject, I am aware of a few possible causes, however, anyone's input would be appreciated. Take into consideration as well, that I am pretty new to boating, and I may not understand some of the terminology, or know the name of the parts.

 

[Blk-n-Blu]

Re: stern drive steering looseness

You may want to adjust the Trim fin on the outdrive to compensate for steering torque or you may have another problem. Check here;
http://www.mercstuff.com/gimbalringwear.htm
8)
Adjusting the fin:
http://www.boatered.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=51468

 

[stevieray]

Re: stern drive steering looseness

B - Since you are new to boating, I'll pass on some basics you may not be aware of. Keep in mind that a boat does not steer the same as a car. There is some lag time between when you turn the wheel & when the bow of the boat starts to move in that direction. Turning the wheel changes the angle of the outdrive to the stern of the boat, which pushes it in that direction. At low speeds, it takes longer for the action to take place. At higher speeds, it is more immediate.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: stern drive steering looseness

I would start with torquing the two bolts on top of the outside of the transom shield....
They directly tighten the connection between the steering arm & the gimbal ring.....
40# should do it.....
You have the newer square style, so it should help quite a bit....
Those bolts should be checked once a year at least.....
Some torque is natural on a single prop....
The trim tab procedure outlined above should help with that.....
Post back with your findings.....
Welcome to iboats, BTW d......JK