1985 Mercury 25HP XD Autopilot

[PlaneNout55]

I have own a 1985 Mercury 25HP XD since new. It is mounted on a Bluefin 15 foot aluminum boat. The problem I have is that the autopilot adjustment screw has never provided enough resistance to keep the motor steering straight ahead if there is a need to release the tiller handle. I have adjusted it as far as the screw will turn but it never has really worked. Last year I was making a small run before pulling the boat out of the water. I had had the drain plug out of the boat to let standing water escape. I think I was reaching down to put the drain plug back in and somehow my other hand let go of the tiller. I was probably going about 3/4 speed or nearly 20 mph. The motor suddenly turned all the way to one side, nearly ejecting me from the boat. Luckily, I was able to grab the tiller before being bucked out. I knew the autopilot never worked quite right and didn't intend to let go of the tiller. Is there a way to fix the autopilot so that it actually functions as intended? It's a safety concern.

 

[Scott Danforth]

That is not autopilot. It's simply a resistance screw and a few plastic pucks to add resistance

Pull the power head, pull the adjustment mechanism and determine what needs to be repaired

Also, it is not intended for you to take your hands off the controls

 

[PlaneNout55]

I misphrased the issue I was having with the 25 HP Mercury. The service manual refers to the feature as co-pilot. The manual states: Recommended adjustment is such that the motor will remain in a fixed course position (during normal operation) without the need of manual control, yet will not be too tight to allow free and easy steering. Thus, I do believe at moderate to lower speeds that it would allow a brief release of the tiller if there were such a need to do so. I agree that it isn't a good idea to take your hands off the controls. But, this co-pilot feature does not hold the motor's position straight ahead even at slow speed. It's merely a nuisance that's all. May not be worth the effort of pulling the power head to fix. Thanks for your reply Scott.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Again, the mechanism is just as plate with some plastic pucks that clamps a plate like a disc brake pad. If overtightened, the plastic bits get smashed. Pull the power head to get to the parts to replace them.