True course steering??

[jawzzy]

I have an 83 omc stringer, 3.8 with power steering, and believed I had a true course steering system, but not sure now after reading some posts here. How can I be sure? I have a manual that referred to it, which seems to match my system. <br /><br />My wondering is because keeping my boat in a straight line is IMPOSSIBLE without turning the steering wheel CONSTANTLY in anticipation of a zig or zag. I'm told I need to play a little with the trim plate adjustment, but I think it needs more than that. I read a post where he said he points it in a direction, and it keeps a perfecty straight line in the water, which is something I would love to accomplish. Any suggestions, thanks!!!!

 

[chads15]

Re: True course steering??

your Boat will never track in a straight line. No fix, just gota deal with it. Its called Bow steer. This is normal. We all deal with it.

 

[jawzzy]

Re: True course steering??

I'm aware of Bow steer, and perhaps that's all it is, but this seems way to much to be just that. I'm having to turn the steering wheel almost a full 360 degrees to keep it just in the right direction, and again, if I don't do it in anticipation, and wait for the change, I'm turning the wheel about 450 degrees, not to mention that I look like I've been drinking if you watch the boat zig-zagging in the water

 

[dgohmann]

Re: True course steering??

You did not say whether this is happening to you at speed, or at idle in gear. If it is idle in gear, then you need to look if your load is balanced and it sounds like you may be over-correcting on the steering. Regaurdless, no boat will ever go perfectly straight.<br /><br />Dan

 

[jawzzy]

Re: True course steering??

Thanks, I missed that I was talking at no wake speed. At high speed it's fine. I tried leaving the wheel to see if it would just keep correcting itself, but it would just stay in the same direction, and go in a circle if I let it, and that's either to the port or starboard direction, so again I think if it was weight, it would only affect one direction more than the other.