steering question or problem

[birdgod]

hi, i have a 1989 spectrum 1700 with 85hp force ob. I am having problem with my steering. it is very loose and do not hold position. when i have my OB tilt up the OB will fall to a side. When I am riding I have to hold on to the steering to pervent it from steering to a side by itself. Now this is my first boat and i have no idea if the steering is suppose to be so loose or what. I have some boater on the lake telling me that the steering is not a problem that I need to add something to the ob to make it go straight.... anuone have any solution to my problem?

 

[NYBo]

Re: steering question or problem

The usual complaint is steering that is too stiff.

Is there a knob under the steering wheel, parallel to the floor? If so, that's the tension adjuster. Turn it clockwise (when looking at it from underneath) to tighten.

 

[109jb]

Re: steering question or problem

Having to hold the steering wheel while underway is pretty normal for a single prop boat that doesn't have no-feedback steering. This is due to prop torque. You can compensate for it by adjusting the little fin that is just above the prop. When looking at the fin from the bottom it should be at the 1 o'clock position to start with. You turn it a little at a time in the direction the boat wants to turn to compensate for the torque.

The fact that it falls to the side when tilted up tells me that it is free and not sticking which is a good thing in my book.

 

[birdgod]

Re: steering question or problem

Thanks, I will look for the adjustment.

 

[ufm82]

Re: steering question or problem

I doubt there is a tension adjustment- I've not seen that in a long time. If this is a basic rack or round helm system, it does bode well for the condition- a free-moving steering cable is exactly what you want. It is true that most complaints are of too-stiff steering.

You can eliminate the issue by replacing the standard helm with a NFB helm- teleflex has them and they will work with your cable if it is the correct type. Only the helm is needed to retro-fit the system. The NFB helm will lock out any torque from the engine and will prevent reverse movement- that is, movement not being input by you. Many older boats did not have NFB originally and some newer boats still do not due to extra cost.

You can get a helm for under $200 and it takes an hour or so to install it. It will make your boating much more pleasant.

UFM82