Steering Bracket Stops Engine from Trimming....

[Big Jay]

Hey everyone...

Got a Big Twin 40 on a 14ft runabout, the steering is a single heavy line coming from the right side of the boat. Once it comes through the gunnel, it is mounted to a bracket on the transom... then an extension runs to the motor. Works great, if you don't need to trim your motor up:faint2:. As soon as you pry up on the motor the carrying handle hits the extension arm and stops you from going further without lifting the transom clamps off therefor pulling the motor off the boat :watermelon:.

Is this a common thing? I was raised with tiller models so this is new to me... Could it be someone did their own job and phoned it in?

 

[Grub54891]

Re: Steering Bracket Stops Engine from Trimming....

A pic would be nice,it's probbally an incorrect setup
Grub

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Steering Bracket Stops Engine from Trimming....

Yes, this is a common problem and not just with your big twin. What you need is a steering tube that mounts on the transom below the engine and a stainless link that returns from the end of the steering cable to the engine itself.

The steering tube is mounted below the engine and set so the steering cable when installed is well past the engine clamps. The return link then connects from the end of the steering cable to the center of the engine nose. You MAY need a longer steering cable if there is no slack now.

 

[Big Jay]

Re: Steering Bracket Stops Engine from Trimming....

Sorry I haven't replied guys, the motor has been off the boat for servicing.

Once I get it back on, I'll post some pics. Thank you for the responses...

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Steering Bracket Stops Engine from Trimming....



As I said above, your problem is very common with older engines not designed for steering tubes and set up with the type of steering support you have. In fact, I used to break off the steering nose on my older Chrysler engines before I switched.

What you need is this: It mounts on the transom, approximately centered below the engine. It can be spaced out away from the transom if needed. You put the steering cable through it and adjust using the two nuts (only one shown. Then, you need to get a return bar to go from your steering cable to the engine. (third Photo)

 

[Big Jay]

Re: Steering Bracket Stops Engine from Trimming....

Thanks for your patience guys...

OK, here's the set up as it stands :


I don't know if there's any room to make any adjustments... or to add the piece you're recommending Frank, what do you think?

 

[Big Jay]

Re: Steering Bracket Stops Engine from Trimming....

BTW... that's as sharp as the motor will turn in either direction, seems wrong to me

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Steering Bracket Stops Engine from Trimming....

Jay - You have the steering all tied in knots. Soak everything with PB Blaster or the equivalent. First, move the steering cable above the steering arm. Second, flip the steering link 180 degrees so the link comes into the top of the steering arm. Look at the pic. Right now the cable is binding against the motor causing the limited steering.

[URL=http://s1184.photobucket.com/user/sv29n/media/Cheap%20boats/1jaysteer.jpg.html] [/URL]

 

[Big Jay]

Re: Steering Bracket Stops Engine from Trimming....

Aw man... thank you so much!

I knew it had to be wrong when I got it, but had no idea how to fix it...
If the rain holds off, I'll try it tomorrow...

I'll post pics when I'm finished