Hard Steering

[jollymon]

I have a new 25 Poonton Boat (Crast Classic 25') with a 90HP Merc engine. It is very difficult to turn the wheel to the left. Turning to the right is very easy. <br /><br />I have tried trimming the motor in and out, it makes no differences. If I take my hand off the wheel it tracks fine.<br /><br />Does anyone, have any ideas how to correct this.

 

[ChampionHead]

Re: Hard Steering

It sounds like the steering effor is the same in either direction when you're standing still. If that is is the case, there should be a small adjustable fin on the underside of the cavitation plate. The purpose of this fin is to counter the force created by the rotation of the motor.<br /><br />You can adjust the angle of the fin to add more counter force so you don't experience this steering differential.

 

[jollymon]

Re: Hard Steering

Thanks for the Info, I hope to be back in the water this weekend, I will check it out. Hopefully it will be that simple.

 

[crab bait]

Re: Hard Steering

but you say it tracks fine when hands are off the wheel ... if that " LITTLE FIN " was out-a-wack, to be needin' adjustin',, it wouldn't track fine at all...

 

[markshop]

Re: Hard Steering

The trim tab sounds to have too much angle to the port side. Straighten it out some.<br /> I have a 90 merc on my pontoon and the tab is almost straight with the motor and steers fine.

 

[thornious]

Re: Hard Steering

see if your steering cable moving or if someone had the cable or motor off it could need realigned. I had a 16ft Trihull that was the same way. When someone changes the motor out they never realigned the steering wheel and when you would turn left the cable would go too far into the case and hang up. I know it sounds stupid , but you might want too take a look. Just have someone turn the wheel with the boat on the trailer and you will be able to see if the steering cable is the problem.

 

[jollymon]

Re: Hard Steering

Adjusting the fin did the trick. Thanks for all of your help.<br /><br />Marshop, do you get any cavitation with your poontoon boat. It seems any time I hit a wake my engine revs up?