Help centering steering wheel

[Socal Pat]

Have an '04 Tracker 175 with side console and a 25hp Merc. I have both a Merc install manual and the boat manual and can't find a "quick tip" tutorial on adjusting the wheel-to-motor centering. I'd like to center the wheel so I won't have to turn around to check the attitude of the motor every time before I start maneuvering. Any advice?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Help centering steering wheel

Disconnect the steering cable at the helm. Turn the wheel in the opposite direction the approximate amount it is off-center. Re-insert the cable. The wheel is generally keyed to the steering shaft so you cannot simply pull it off and turn it.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Help centering steering wheel

Yep, have to remove the cable. Chances are you will never get it perfect, but close enough

If you are not up for all that, simply mark the top of the steering wheel when the motor is straight.

Depending on the color and composition of the wheel, you could use a string, a tiny drop of paint, a permanent marker, or scratch a tick mark in it with your thumb nail.

 

[Socal Pat]

Re: Help centering steering wheel

Great suggestions! I'll do the wheel mark with a white grease pencil for tomorrow's trip, and when I have more time I'll get under there and detatch the cable. Thanks guys!