Steering play?

[medicbearusaf]

86 larson open bow. New to me boat. Noticed after buying there is play in the steering wheel. When I turn it left or right it will travel a couple inches before it clunks and turns the prop left or right. Which at lower speeds means constant correction.

 

[Scott Danforth]

you may have two things happening. typical V-hull wander, and play in the steering system. cant do much about v-hull wander, however depending on where the play is coming from, you may be able to fix some of the steering system.

 

[SeaDooSam]

My '96 boat does the same thing. The steering wheel has a few inches of play. My mechanic checked mine out just yesterday and told me that there is some adjustment either on the outside or inside somewhere. He says there is some sort of thing meant to tighten the steering cable or whatever that may need adjusting. He told me it is fine for now though and said to wait for the fall to bother with it. My mechanic has over 30 years of experience.