Torque Steer question

Mark42 said:

I notice that the Bayliner w/85 hp is harder to steer starboard than to port (at least thats the best I can remember). Compared to the 40 hp MFG that feels the same turning starboard or port the Bayliner has a heavier feel.

I just installed a new steering cable, checked the rotary helm for wear, and the o/b pivot king pin and everything checks out good. When on the trailer, if the motor is grabbed from behind and turned, the resistance is the same starboard or port and the wheel spins freely. If the wheel is turned the resistance is the same starboard to port and vice versa. Only when under way does the wheel feel heavier turning to starboard than to port. Boat travels straight with no wandering or drifting off course (at least none that I noticed).

I assume this is torque steer. So if the mechanicals are good, and the boat is tracking right, is it normal to have a heavier feel on the wheel one way or the other? Will adjusting the outboard exhaust snout (trim tab) help with reducing the heavy feel or will it just mess up tracking?

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Zeeter said:

Having followed your project I thought youd know. Adjust the trim tab to your liking.
Youll never get nuetral but close.

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Like so many other things, I'll have to jump in and test different settings to find out for sure.

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