Tiller and Steering Cable question?

[Dave K.]

1995 Force 120hp. The boat turns sharply and quickly to starboard if I let go of the wheel. When under throttle the steering wheel has to be held firmly to keep her straight.

I've adjusted the tiller as far left as possible with very little or no compensation. The tiller can only go so far left or right which is only to say about an inch or inch and a half.

Q: Any way of adjusting the tiller even further to the left or port side?

Also, The steering cable is brand new installed by the original owner.

Q: Could it be an adjustment there?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Underneath the anti-ventilation plate, behind the prop there will be an anode/trim tab. You need to move this trim tab to the starboard (right) This will tend to force the engine to the port (left) and hopefully correct some of the hard steering. Note that the trim tab is most effective at one particular water speed and one particular trim setting. Thus, you would want to set it to correct hard steering at the speed and engine trim angle you most often use.

 

[Dave K.]

Hi Frank, I think I'm using the term tiller for trim tab. I remember a post years ago where you used that term where the tab "acted" like a tiller.

I moved it all the way port (left).

So you're saying to move the tab starboard (right) to help straighten the wheel out?

Thx Dave