1987 Sea Ray Seville Mercury Mercruiser 3.0 loose steering when in the water..

[Aquarian Brandon]

I have a steering question and I don't know where to begin. First off, its a 1987 Sea Ray Seville/Mercury Mercruiser 3.0/ Bravo Alpha One/ When I put the boat in the water the steering becomes loose and it has an unsafe feel. But, when the boat is trailered I can barely move the outdrive left or right as it reacts with the steering wheel. In other words when I turn the drive the steering wheel moves simultaneously. I have read about gimbal issues and I do not show any sign of wear, movement, etc. with this part. My question is where should I begin to look?

 

[1979 Quartermasters]

Welcome to iboats. If you are referring to the wandering back and forth at low speed, that is very typical of V-hull with stern drive. Extremely small corrections will help but it will be difficult to eliminate the problem. If you have enough room, it will correct itself with no effort from you. Hope this helps.

 

[Bondo]

My question is where should I begin to look?

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,..... Probably the Operator,....

As Quartermaster says, Things don't steer in water, like a car on land,...

 

[ernieoday]

Hello! I have a question also. If you don't mind. I also have the same problem. But i have about 1 too 2 inches of play in steering. Same boat same year. I have replaced everything from the stearing wheel back the steering arm. Everything is good from the steering arm down to the gimbal ring. All nice and tight.

 

[ernieoday]

Any idea on how to get rid of that play. I have rack and pinion steering