Loose boat wheel steering

[tdejong302]

Just got my boat home for its maiden voyage. When I let go of the steering wheel, the wheel spins all the way around making the boat go right. How do you tighten it to make it stay in one place until I turn the wheel. Is there a nut/screw on the motor or on the steering linkage.

Motor is a 1995 75hp merc. Thank you.

[ESOX]

Trim the motor properly and torque steer should be a non issue. If it still is an issue an adjustment to the tab on the bottom of the cavitation plate behind the propeller is in order.

[tdejong302]

Tried trimming it and also checked the plate. Any other suggestions. Thank you.

[john warren]

you need to correct the situation , might need a good boat mech. do not solve it by tightening the steering, this will give you a hazardous situation.

[Hotwired]

Make sure you are adjusting it correctly.

Turn tab in direction boat is pulling.

TRIM TAB ADJUSTMENT
On larger Outboard motors, there is a steering trim tab located on the bottom of the cavitation plate, just aft of the propeller. It is adjustable and has been installed on the engine to correct for propeller torque.

Adjustment of the trim tab should be done after you've gone through the steps of proper tilt adjustment.


The boat should be operated with a normal load on board in a straight line. Incorrect trim tab adjustment will cause the boat to turn to the left or to the right when your hand are removed from the steering wheel. Be careful when removing your hands from the steering wheel; a tilt tab incorrectly positioned may cause the boat to turn violently.

To adjust the trim tab, loosen the securing bolts, as per the engine manufacturer's instructions, and move the trim tab in the direction the boat pulls. For example, if the boat pulls to starboard, move the trailing edge of the trim tab to starboard. Make these adjustments in small increments and test the results. The object is to create a "hands off straight line" steering condition for the normal operating speed. It is not possible to eliminate steering pull throughout the engine speed range.

Remember, tilt adjustment may affect steering torque as much as the trim tab. With Outboard engines equipped with power trim this becomes particularly important. When under way, experiment with trim settings to neutralize steering pull.

[tdejong302]

While I have solved all of my other boat issues this still remains a problem. I brought it into a boat mech. in Autrain. He said the gear box maybe shot under the steering wheel. He said the box installed would be around $130. However if it didn't fix the problem I still bought the part and labor involved.. Any suggestions. This is really started to p me off.

[Greenbush future]

TRIM TAB ADJUSTMENT
On larger Outboard motors, there is a steering trim tab located on the bottom of the cavitation plate, just aft of the propeller. It is adjustable and has been installed on the engine to correct for propeller torque.

So your saying after trim adjustment and this adjustment shown above on the tab, it still pulls?

[Laketrotter]

If you going to replace the steering gearbox, they make a no feedback unit by Teleflex. I bought mine from a mail order company Overtons.com ,I installed it on my 20 ft CC and it works great. The wheel stays put until you move it, great for trolling or wide open throttle.

[tgafish]

Sorry to ask a silly question but is your boat leaning to the right? I.e. are you alone sitting in the driver seat when this happens? The weight of my outboard on my tracker would always turn it when there was too much weight on one side.

[tdejong302]

Trim tab adjustment has been tried. According to the marine mechanic its been adjusted correctly so that isn't it. Steering problems are constant. Doesn't matter if I am alone or riding with someone next to me.

No question in this fiascle is stupid. I just hope I can fix it. Thanks for you input.

Will look at overtons for cost of a new box. As a last resort.

[Damark Marine]

The poster who said a no feed back system is correct. Get a NFB system! I have them in stock with a MS discount if you still need one. just let me know the length.

[tdejong302]

Wrapped a rubber sleeve between steering column and steering wheel it now works great. Doesn't turn until I need it too. My own no feed back steering system.