steering issue

[jvb]

i am not sure if this is a motor issue, or more of a boat issue, but i think its the motor...<br /><br />anyways, my 1973 chrysler 70hp really pulls to the right. if you let go of the wheel, instant 90 degree right turn. and at high speeds, you would definitly flip the boat. the steering on this boat is done with the big flexible shaft (not sure the actual name for this), not the cables and pulleys. the steering doesnt seem to be the issue, it really feels like the motor is causing the problem. there is a small fin at the exhuast that is supposed to correct for some of this. on this motor it only allows for about a half inch of play left and right. i have it cranked all the way to the direction that should push me left, but it doesnt seem to do much good. i cant find any info in my manual about this. anybody have any suggestions?

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: steering issue

Just checking on your remarks, JVB.<br /><br />When you say you have cranked the trim tab under the AV plate in the direction that should push you left, which way did you adjust it?<br /><br />To minimise right steer, you should swing the tab trailing end RIGHT. Yo minimise left steer, you should swing it LEFT. Some folks do the opposite by mistake.<br /><br />You should have swung yours RIGHT.<br /><br />From what you've given so far, there may be other problems also.

 

[jvb]

Re: steering issue

i think the back end of the tab is actually to the left, which is where a 'semi-pro' mechanic told me to put it...<br /><br />i suppose this could be also be caused by motor torque, but it just feels a little extreme. i will swing it to the right and see what happens on the water today. thanks!

 

[jvb]

Re: steering issue

after thinking about it, i guess i do not understand how this little fin corrects the problem. if the back end of the fin is the right, and the front is to the left, it seems to me that this forms a small rudder that would push me to the right. is there some sort of opposite effect this little fin has?

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: steering issue

Yep - you've hit the idea.<br /><br />Picture the trim fin as the 'rudder' that controls the motor direction. If the trailing edge of the 'rudder' is swung right, then the water will try and straighten it up as you go along, and that will swing the motor to the left. This will have the effect of trying to drive your boat left, which is exactly the effect you want.<br /><br />Once you've tried it on the water, you'll see the effect. Post back the results, huh?

 

[jvb]

Re: steering issue

just got back from the lake, the problem is still there. i have turned the fin so the back end is all the way to the right, and it has made little to no difference. on this motor, you dont get much movement, about a 1/2 either way. any suggestions?

 

[05GlastronSX]

Re: steering issue

i had a similar problem with my new glastron with a 150 on it. when you hit it, the whole thing wanted to turn to the right in an instant and if you didnt have a firm grip on the wheel, youd be going to the right in a second. i brought it back to the dealership and they told me that the engine had so much torque that it was causing the steering issue. they recommended that i get power steering since it was a bigger engine but when i saw the price i decided that maybe next year was a better idea. they then put a trim tab under the cavitation plate and told me to ajust it with a half inch socket and an extension. so i went to the lake and tryed it out being strait and it had the same effect as before, then i moved it to clicks to the right and now it doesnt pull nearly as hard to the right as before and i can let off the wheel from anywhere from 30-45 phm and it will track strait. try this and see if it helps.

 

[jvb]

Re: steering issue

was the tab a aftermarket thing that can be added to any cavitation plate? or was that something special for your motor? what was it called, or where would i find something like that?

 

[05GlastronSX]

Re: steering issue

your local dealer should have them available. mine was free, but the boat is brand new. my guess is that it should be no mare that 40-50 dollars but i really dont have a clue on pricing. the one that is on mine came off of a 115 mercury so my guess is that those type of trim tabs are pretty universal.

 

[jvb]

Re: steering issue

are you talking about the round plate with the small fin thats on all outboards?? or this something in addition to that?<br /><br />btw, that sx-170 is a nice looking boat! i also have an older glastron sv-151 which i will probably sell soon.

 

[jvb]

Re: steering issue

i looked over everything else once again... nothing dented or broken on the motor anywhere, and the hull is excellent.

 

[05GlastronSX]

Re: steering issue

are you talking about the round plate with the small fin thats on all outboards?? or this something in addition to that?

yea thats what i am talking about...its hard to believe something that minor makes that big of a difference. <br /><br />

btw, that sx-170 is a nice looking boat! i also have an older glastron sv-151 which i will probably sell soon.

thank you. so far i am beyond pleased with it. i recommend glastron to anyone on this forum. also, the 150 only makes it all that much better...

 

[jvb]

Re: steering issue

thanks 05, but i definitly cant use your suggestion. my motor uses a different type of fin. rather than the standard round style, this one is about 2" wide and 6" long, doesnt allow for much adjustment at all. instead of rotating, it just pivots back and forth. i have now run the boat with it cranked both directions, and havent solved the problem. help!!!

 

[jvb]

Re: steering issue

would a no-feedback steering cable solve this problem?

 

[thicklin]

Re: steering issue

Had the same problem on my boat due to torque,if the adjuster on the AV plate is not fixing it then if you have power trim and tilt on your outboard try adjusting it upwards once on plane and the steering should ease and run straight,