I/O steering play

[Keith Ogden]

I just replaced my I/O steering cable and helm unit on my 1995 Armada.
Thanks to you forum guys , a week of research and suggestions.
The old cable was shot and needed replaced. I decided to replace the helm and cable as a set ( Part # Rack Steering System SS141 )
Every thing installed (little over an hour to remove old and install new ) everything disassembled with out a problem ( steering wheel took some WACKING )
The steering is now smooth as silk. but I still have a question ?
There seems to be about 1/8 to 3/16 play in the guide tube at back.
Only had this boat for 3 weeks , in the water one time ( test drive when I bought it ) and it had stiff steering and seemed to wonder.
Is there and thing to be done to remove the play ?

I have included pictures showing the area of play ( red arrow ).

I also have a Cobra with a Force 125 outboard and there is ZERO play in its steering.
This is my second boat I have ever owned and my first I/O .

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... If you were to take that bit of play out, the P/S won't work,...

That's the travel of the hyd. valve,...

As for drivin' the boat, most all V-hulls with I/Os wander,....
Less operator input is the usual cure,....

 

[Keith Ogden]

Cool thanks.
Not ever owning one of these I had no way of knowing if it was missing a part.
All the blowup schematics did not show anything that was not there but I did see 2 holes on the tube that looks as if they might be for screws.
But they are not threaded so did not think there was suppose to be screws there.

Again thanks for your FAST response.

If it continues to "wonder" I guess my next step is trim tabs.....

 

[JoLin]

Trim tabs might help, but experience at the helm will help more. Every boat I've had wandered at low speed. Bondo has it right- you're overcorrecting as it wanders from side to side. You'll learn to catch it and stop see-sawing all over the place.

My .02