DRUNK STEERING

[STACK]

Hello. I recently bought a 1993 '17 proline with a 115 mercury outboard. It's major problem right now is the steering. When idling in no wake zones I have to constantly correct the steering. The boat moves back and forth to extremes. I know that some movement when idling is normal but the boaters behind me must think i'm drunk.<br /> Could I try to correct this on my own? If so please let me know. Thanks in advance for any tips.

 

[B_Eager]

Re: DRUNK STEERING

Sounds like maybe your headway speed is to low for conditions or you are oversteering. Is the steering cables tight??

 

[DJ]

Re: DRUNK STEERING

Stack,<br /><br />It's called "V-Hull Wander". Quite normal. Most folks tend to overcorrect when steering at displacement speeds.

 

[Cobotr]

Re: DRUNK STEERING

I agree with djohns. Most vee hulls have some sort of wander at no-wake speeds. If you wait for the bow to turn, you're almost too late to correct it.

 

[Solittle]

Re: DRUNK STEERING

Dolfins attached to the cavitation plate help for some reason.

 

[fredcrn]

Re: DRUNK STEERING

When I first got my deep v hull boat, I was concerned about that wandering at slow speed as well. I was relieved to find out it's normal.<br />With time and practice, you'll learn to anticipate the wander and compensate early. I now can almost steer a straight course this way.<br />Fred

 

[magster65]

Re: DRUNK STEERING

Yeah, some boats are worse than others but try a different approach to staying straight. The boat likely wanders at a predictable interval, when it's about to turn just give the wheel a little tug the opposite way at the same interval. It works. Definately to check to make sure nothing is loose or worn, any excessive play in the steering makes this condition worse.