VERY hard to turn

[RWestman]

Good day,

I am new to boating and not sure if I have done something wrong. I bought a Bayliner Capri, I believe it is a 1986, with a 3.0L.

I drained the water and put some antifreeze in the lines for outside storage. When I took the boat out this Spring the boat is VERY HARD to turn. Was I suppose to drain the fluid out the steering lines? How do I fix the problem?

Thanks ahead of time,

Ron

 

[Dave.Mishchenko]

Re: VERY hard to turn

Does it just pull hard in one direction? If so you may need to adjust the trim tab. It's located just just behind the prop. See this thread for some more details.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=29938

 

[ENSIGN]

Re: VERY hard to turn

P/S full of fluid,belt tight? if so disconnect the steering cable from the control valve by removing the cotter pin and clevis pin,If it's still hard to turn the steering wheel the cable is most likley binding and needs replacement.

 

[RWestman]

Re: VERY hard to turn

Two very good things to look into. The next time I am at the lake with the boat I will look into both items.

I really like Forums. People willing to help others.

Thanks ahead of time,

Ron

 

[RWestman]

Re: VERY hard to turn

I was able to look at the boat today and found it DOES have a trim tab and NO power steering. I played with the tab and found a spot where if I let go of the steering wheel the boat will maintain a straight line course. I am assuming this is the proper placement for the tab.

Is that correct?

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: VERY hard to turn

I was able to look at the boat today and found it DOES have a trim tab and NO power steering. I played with the tab and found a spot where if I let go of the steering wheel the boat will maintain a straight line course. I am assuming this is the proper placement for the tab.

Is that correct?

As good as it gets!

You will find that you will still feel torque steer at varying speeds...most of us adjust the trim tab for the cruising speed we will use the most.

Happy boating!