2001 Mercury 90 hp steering issue

[hogleg62]

New boat owner, first time poster to the forum. I did my best to try to find posts regarding my issue but all were related to steering being too tight.

I don't know if this is a problem or not. 2001 Fisher with 2001 90 hp Mercury outboard. There is little to no resistance when moving the motor from side to side. Very easy to do by hand and with the steering wheel. When I pulled it home the, with the transom saver in place, it flopped all the way to one side and stayed that way. There isn't any play it the steering that I notice. There just isn't much resistance at all.

Questions:

Should I be concerned with the lack of resistance in the steering?

Shouldn't the motor be pointed straight back when trailering with the transom saver in place?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Chad

[hogleg62]

Bump.

Somebody, anybody?

Bueller, Bueller?

[sschefer]

It's O.K. Take it out and try it. If the torque tab is adjusted right it should stay on track just fine.

Bueller as in Brant as in Marine Unlimited?

[hogleg62]

Thanks for the response! That is what I was hoping for, just needed a little reassurance.

Bueller as in Ferris Bueller's Day Off.

[sschefer]

Thanks for the response! That is what I was hoping for, just needed a little reassurance.

Bueller as in Ferris Bueller's Day Off.

Ah yes great movie. Thought you might be nearby. The last remaining new boat shop in town is owned by a fellow with a similar last name.

[hogleg62]

Got it on the water this weekend. Steering pulls hard to right at all speeds and regardless of plane.

Is there someway to adjust the resistance so the motor does not turn so easily?

[Chris1956]

Does that motor have a zinc anode, with a fin? These are usually above and behind the prop. If so, loosen and turn it CCW, and tighten it up. Trial and error will allow you to minimize the pulling of the motor at some speeds.

[hogleg62]

Chris:
Thanks for the response, check out that and it did appear to turned the wrong direction. Moved it and will check it out in the water this weekend.

Back to my original question. I've been told by some that there is a tension adjustment on my motor. Can't find it if there is, ordered manual, waiting on it's arrival. Is there a tension adjustment on the motor?

Talked to local marine dealer, he states that there is no tension adjustment. He advised that the motors that you can't turn by hand (at the motor, not by the steering wheel) have a no-feedback steering system. He said my system is a feedback system and the motor will be easy to turn and this isn't a problem.

Conflicting opinions. Can anyone verify this for me?