Hi. I just discovered this forum and it seems great!<br /><br />My question: I recently bought a "project boat", which is a 22ft cabin cruiser. It originally had a tired 145hp volvo stern drive which was removed and the boat converted to outboard propulsion(Johnson 130hp). The original helm and steering cable were kept for the outboard and everything seems to fit fine. However, I did notice that the motor turning angle is not much at all. I would say maybe 40 degrees hard over. The angle is equal when the motor is turned hard over to port or starboard. The original outdrive was not power assisted in any way.<br /><br />The outboard has a link arm that I believe is the correct one for that motor. This length isn't adjustable. Is there any way to find out if it is, in fact, the right link arm and right length?<br /><br />Are all the steering rods the same length? Is it possible that the steering rod on the I/O cable is shorter than the outboard needs for its steering tube?<br /><br />Is there any rule for what angle a motor should be relative to the transom when turned hard over? I know the outboard turning angle is limited by the mechanical steering, and I can get an extra 5 degrees or so if I disconnect the link arm and turn the motor side to side against its stops by hand.<br /><br />I haven't had the boat in the water yet. All in all, I would say the work done on it was very good, but the guy couldn't keep the boat due to financial reasons. He did an excellent job modifying the transom and building a motor well. Now it's up to me to work out the final details. I've never had a boat with an outboard bigger than 30hp so this is uncharted territory for me. 
I just want to be sure everything is right before the boat is launched.<br /><br />Any advice will be much appreciated.<br /><br />Best Regards,<br />Dennis
I just want to be sure everything is right before the boat is launched.<br /><br />Any advice will be much appreciated.<br /><br />Best Regards,<br />Dennis