increasing turning capabilities

[chewyj]

I have a boat that has a steering issue that was man made, now I need to fix it. The boat originally had a kicker on it, so, in order to avoid having the main engine hit the kicker, they shorted the steering for a left turn. I have since removed the kick, but have severe difficulties trying to turn left.<br /><br />Is the solution a new cable, or will I just need to get a longer connecting rod from the center of the engine to the exposed end of the existing cable? I assumed it should just be a rod, but then got to thinking that by extending, it may help the left, but then it might not extend to make a good right hand turn.

 

[lakensea]

Re: increasing turning capabilities

All steering cables are the same. If the steering link was shortened, that is a very dangerous situation. The only way to fix it properly is to purchase the correct steering link from a dealer.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: increasing turning capabilities

Check on the pivot to see if there is an adjustable steering stop. Can't tell you for sure, but it will be at the top or bottom of the steering pivot of the outboard. If there is, they may have adjusted it to change the left limit. Also look to see if maybe something was bolted to the stop for the left limit, to decrease turning range.

 

[chewyj]

Re: increasing turning capabilities

Thanks for the suggestions. I ordered a new link today. I guess we'll see if its longer when it comes in.

 

[chewyj]

Re: increasing turning capabilities

Well, the new link is the same size as the old one. I guess its back to the drawing board. I just must be missing something on the engine. <br /><br />The problem is that it can't turn any more to the left, simply because there is no more left of the steering cable to pull into housing.

 

[roscoe]

Re: increasing turning capabilities

I believe you would have to make an adjustment at the helm end of the cable. But as you say, increasing the left turning ability, will reduce the right turning ability. But atleast it would be evened out.<br /><br />Let us know if you get it fixed.

 

[chewyj]

Re: increasing turning capabilities

That was an idea I had, but it won't make a difference. I'll try to explain...<br /><br />When turning left the cable pulls the outside of the steering link toward the cable housing. So, when the engine is at its maximum left turn, none of the cable is exposed. If some were left, then maybe it would be just an adjustment. However, there is simply no more room for the motor to turn, unless the cable were completely disconnected, and I manually turn it.<br /><br />I hope that adds some insight. This is why I hoped that the other person just installed a shorter steering link, thus reducing the travel distance from the end of the linkage to the engine. But the correct factory part is the same link. So, something else was tampered with, but I just must be overlooking it.

 

[roscoe]

Re: increasing turning capabilities

OK, so if you had a link that was say, an inch longer, the cable end would be in the same place, but the motor would be pushed over a little more.<br /><br />I guess you need to find a longer link then.<br /><br />Or a mounting hole on the motor, that is an inch further to port.

 

[Oldsaltydog]

Re: increasing turning capabilities

This reply may not apply your case, but when I bought my used boat I had a similar problem due to lack of lubrication at the point where the cable-end on starboard attaches the "cross tube" by the motor. Lots of grease pumped into the zerk on the tube solved the problem. (I have a one cable rack and pinion system.)

 

[lakensea]

Re: increasing turning capabilities

You never stated what you have for an engine, please do. If you get a longer link, you will lose steering on the other end. If there are 2 holes on the tiller arm, make sure you use the aft one. The forward one is used for a twin engine tie bar.

 

[OBJ]

Re: increasing turning capabilities

Chewy....I would bet you have a rake steering system. This is the only one that could do what you posted and the new steering link is the same as the old.<br /><br />Drop the rack from the helm and center the engine. Reattach the rack to the helm.<br /><br />Keep us posted...thanks.

 

[chewyj]

Re: increasing turning capabilities

Alright, so I'm a dumb*ss. I figured it out just before you guys posted, I just now got back online. They had moved the linkage to the forward hole of the tiller arm. I can't believe that I just missed it. I had been working on my boat at night, and simply overlooked the second hole. A little daylight the other day shed a little light on the subject. Once I moved the link arm back, it changed the angle on the arm, thus, giving me the correct turning radius. Thanks for all of your help. You guys were on it!!!

 

[roscoe]

Re: increasing turning capabilities

Glad you got her fixed.<br />Happy boating.