Tiller outboard won?t stay straight

[Super Chopper]

I have a 1974 Evinrude 15hp tiller outboard on a 14? open boat. When I get up on plane, if I let go of the control the outboard makes a sharp right turn. I?d like to be able to let go for a minute without that happening.

Is this because the outboard isn?t centered on the boat? I think that it?s centered.

Is there any way to tighten the steering to make it harder to turn and stay straight? DSL07016GS

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: Tiller outboard won?t stay straight

I have a 1974 Evinrude 15hp tiller outboard on a 14? open boat. When I get up on plane, if I let go of the control the outboard makes a sharp right turn. I?d like to be able to let go for a minute without that happening.

Is this because the outboard isn?t centered on the boat? I think that it?s centered.

Is there any way to tighten the steering to make it harder to turn and stay straight? DSL07016GS

Three things can help:

1) Boat trim....make sure boat is level side to side.

2) There is a trim tab (on most models) just behind the prop. It can be adjusted to fine-tune steering pull.

3) There should be a friction adjusting screw...on that motor i think on the port side of motor, on the pivot shaft. Tighten or loosen as appropriate.

 

[masintenn]

Re: Tiller outboard won?t stay straight

I hope you have a dead man switch.