Steering Question

[Jarhead44]

Hi guys...I had a question regarding steering on a 150 Optimax on a 19' Smokercraft. At WOT I notice it is very easy to steer rt but trying to steer lt is pretty hard or stiff. Should it feel like the power steering in a car? With the Motor off it turns easy lt and rt. I would think you need to overcome the torque of the prop. This boat has hydraulic steering and the resevoir is full.

 

[109jb]

Re: Steering Question

With hydraulic steering the prop torque won't want to spin the wheel if you let go, but being harder to turn one direction at speed indicates that the trim tab on the lower unit could stand adjusting. Since you said it turns right easier than left, Loosen the bolt and rotate the trim fin so that the back edge is more right (as viewed from behind) than the current setting. Re-tighten the bolt and test drive the boat. Repeat until the boat steers as easily in either direction. You basically want to move the back of the fin in the direction that it turns easier until the fin is compensating for the torque and balances it out.

 

[Jarhead44]

Re: Steering Question

Thanks for the info, i'll try that. Right now it is straight fore and aft never been adjusted.

 

[seabob4]

Re: Steering Question

You want the trailing edge of the torque tab set at 1:00, maybe 1:30. They should only be at 12:00 on twins with counter-rotating motors...