Mercrusier Steering Tab behind Prop

G

gmm44709

Recruit
Joined
Oct 17, 2011
Messages
4
1998 Mercruiser sterndrive 135 hp steering tab on cavitation plate behind prop is corroded away from my recently purchased 18' boat. I bought new one and when installed the prop will hit it. Prop is 21 pitch 14.3 dia. Prop seems to be correct size as boat planes over easy and reaches 4300 rpms, close to max of 4400 - 4800 rpms. The boat seems to steer pretty good but I have always had that tab on previous sterndrives, plus this one was a anti-corrosive one and I'm using in saltwater. Is the prop the wrong diameter, or is there a different steering tab for this outdrive prop combination?
Thanx, Geo.
 
ziggy

ziggy

Admiral
Joined
Jun 30, 2004
Messages
7,473
Re: Mercrusier Steering Tab behind Prop

there's a couple different kinds of tabs. long, short, short offset and a blank plate to cover the hole + be a zinc for when ya got power steering. http://www.iboats.com/Anode-Trim-Ta...3718774--**********.913183006--view_id.373281
or
ya can do what i did.
IMG_0697.jpg

grind her down to fit. while this seems like a half way of doing things. this method does show up in s/m #4 i believe... and it works good too.. no ramifications of doing it this way..
 
Don S

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: Mercrusier Steering Tab behind Prop

Grind your new anode as Ziggy shows, next time, get the off set anode. Will give you more room for the prop.
If you got your anode locally, you may be able to swap with them.
The Merc PN is 822777A1


39250_2.gif
 
04fxdwgi

04fxdwgi

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 10, 2011
Messages
754
Re: Mercrusier Steering Tab behind Prop

gmm44709 said:
1998 Mercruiser sterndrive 135 hp steering tab on cavitation plate behind prop is corroded away from my recently purchased 18' boat. I bought new one and when installed the prop will hit it. Prop is 21 pitch 14.3 dia. Prop seems to be correct size as boat planes over easy and reaches 4300 rpms, close to max of 4400 - 4800 rpms. The boat seems to steer pretty good but I have always had that tab on previous sterndrives, plus this one was a anti-corrosive one and I'm using in saltwater. Is the prop the wrong diameter, or is there a different steering tab for this outdrive prop combination?
Thanx, Geo.
Click to expand...

Had tab on drive when bought boat, but switched out to the new style Bravo plate only w/ no tab. Blew a power steering hose and had to drive boat 30 miles w/ no tab on it and it pulled like a bear to the port. That was a tough 30 miles. Putting a tab back on. Never realized how much that little tab does to help counter the torque of the prop and MUST help relieve strain on steering components that you don't feel when the power steering is working correctly.
 
04fxdwgi

04fxdwgi

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 10, 2011
Messages
754
Re: Mercrusier Steering Tab behind Prop

gmm44709 said:
1998 Mercruiser sterndrive 135 hp steering tab on cavitation plate behind prop is corroded away from my recently purchased 18' boat. I bought new one and when installed the prop will hit it. Prop is 21 pitch 14.3 dia. Prop seems to be correct size as boat planes over easy and reaches 4300 rpms, close to max of 4400 - 4800 rpms. The boat seems to steer pretty good but I have always had that tab on previous sterndrives, plus this one was a anti-corrosive one and I'm using in saltwater. Is the prop the wrong diameter, or is there a different steering tab for this outdrive prop combination?
Thanx, Geo.
Click to expand...

The Offset tab looks like the way to go to clear everything. I believe it was designed for the Bravo 3, from what I was told
 
G

gmm44709

Recruit
Joined
Oct 17, 2011
Messages
4
Re: Mercrusier Steering Tab behind Prop

Thanks If I can't find one that clears I will grind one so it does. Great idea.
 
Bondo

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,454
Re: Mercrusier Steering Tab behind Prop

gmm44709 said:
Thanks If I can't find one that clears I will grind one so it does. Great idea.
Click to expand...

Ayuh,.... If ya grind it, yer lookin' for 1/4" to 3/8" clearance....
 
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