steering unstable at slower speeds

jmatthe_2000 · Jul 8, 2007

Have a Teleflex rack and pinion set-up on a '94 Marada 2100 with a 5.0L Mercruiser/ power steering (180hp) inboard with Stern Drive. The problem is that the steering will not stay centered and then oversteers terribly at slow speeds, requiring constant corrections. makes no wake zones, docking and trailoring a real problem. Boat seems to track fine at higher speeds.

no apparent leaks, cable seems free / routed correctly, power steering fluid is normal, rack and pinion unit is solidly mounted.... out of ideas.. hope someone can help.

Don S · Jul 8, 2007

Re: steering unstable at slower speeds

That's typical and normal for a single outdrive boat.

Sherminator · Jul 8, 2007

Re: steering unstable at slower speeds

my boat does the same thing, when no in no wake zones and putzing around at an idle i have to steer back and forth too, i think its the nature of the beasts...

danfrompgh · Jul 8, 2007

Re: steering unstable at slower speeds

Havn't found a way around it ..yet! Like a constant sobriety test

2000 Bayliner 2150 w/5.0

Bondo · Jul 8, 2007

Re: steering unstable at slower speeds

Ayuh,.........

Just Don't counter-steer so much.........
The boat usually comes right back with very minor adjustments.......

QC · Jul 9, 2007

Re: steering unstable at slower speeds

What Bondo says . . . but I'll add that Trim tabs run in the full down position help dramatically. Only real "fix" I've ever heard of or experienced. Definitely helps.

Boomyal · Jul 9, 2007

Re: steering unstable at slower speeds

Smart Tabs, Smart Tabs, Smart Tabs. You don't have to adjust them as they are naturally fully deployed at no wake speeds. They will virtually eliminate the slow speed wander.

Try 'em. It'll be like a new boat. They also get you up on plane quicker and greatly reduce the bow rise. They also give you incredible low plane speed throttle control.

http://www.iboats.com/Marine_Store/...-submit.y.4--submit.x.20--search_type.keyword

QC · Jul 9, 2007

Re: steering unstable at slower speeds

Boomyal said:
You don't have to adjust them

More accurately, you cannot adjust them, but that's OK Boom . . . (Never mind, jmatthe_2000, ongoing feud/debate

)

Haut Medoc · Jul 9, 2007

Re: steering unstable at slower speeds

Have you checked the two bolts on the top of the gimbal ring for tightness?.....

Dakota47 · Jul 9, 2007

Re: steering unstable at slower speeds

My boat does it to, like Bondo says it comes back to ya,, dont fight the wheel..

RubberFrog · Jul 9, 2007

Re: steering unstable at slower speeds

tabs tabs tabs. There is no other solution.

murphini · Jul 9, 2007

Re: steering unstable at slower speeds

yep. Mine wanders too.

Found best way to steer in no wake zones or on slow cruises is steering with my feet. I sit up on my "poor man's bolster seat" (small cooler with my Type IV PFD on top of it), kick back, slowly adjust with my feet on the wheel. Boat drifts one way, then comes back. Relaxing. Minor adjustments better than big adjustments.

A cool beverage -non alcholic as you are driving of course-aids in the steering process.

steering unstable at slower speeds

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