Much harder to steer to port than starboard

[Free?Boat]

I have a 1972 Grew 195XL with 165hp chevy inline six. I finaly got it on the water this week and the steering is having problems. The steering works fine at idle but as soon as I give it some power it becomes very hard to steer to port. I have lubricated the entire system and it seems a little better. If I adjust the rudder that the exaust goes through, on the lower gearcase, will that help? I have read that it could also be an issue with torque from the prop.

 

[Daviet]

Re: Much harder to steer to port than starboard

I would check the setting on the trim tab, adjust as necessary.

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Much harder to steer to port than starboard

assuming you feel no difference when sitting still at the dock, then trim tab adjustment is probably the trick
and your exhaust duct/rudder thing on the old stringer drive is the equivalent to the trim tab on a more modern sterndrive.

move it in the direction opposite what you think would help by looking at it

keep track of how far you move it, and if it makes it worse, go back and/or go the other way

 

[Free?Boat]

Re: Much harder to steer to port than starboard

Thanks Howard, it turns out there are acctually little marks for setting it on the lower. I moved it one mark yesterday and that started to even it out. I will try it one more tomorrow.