1990 Sea Ray 230CC Listing issues.

[efaber4]

I am new to this site and not sure if this is the proper area to list this problem.

I have a 90 Sea Ray 230CC and I am having some major issues with it listing mostly to the port side. I have tried to use my power trim to help adjust this problem with very little success. There isn't any issue of the boat being overloaded on the left or right for that matter. I have removed the trim fin from my outdrive to see if that was causing the issue and still nothing has improved.
This past weekend I had a neighbor hold the outdrive while I was in the water and he was able to move it slightly left to right with not movement at the steering wheel. I then had him hold the outdrive and I move the steering wheel and had about 1.5-2 inch in both directions with no noticable movement in the outdrive.
I know believe my issue is the steering, I have also noticed that while driving straight the boat will turn to the port side from time to time. This happens usually when I am at higher speeds.
Is there anything that I can do to help tighten the steering up and maybe fix the list.

Thank you for any and all help.

Eric

 

[Maclin]

Re: 1990 Sea Ray 230CC Listing issues.

The term Listing means leaning to one side or the other. Is your boat listing? or just wants to turn one way all the time?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: 1990 Sea Ray 230CC Listing issues.

Welcome aboard

a 22 year old steering system has a bit of play. Play is common and only gets worse with age and it may be time to inspect the system.

 

[efaber4]

Re: 1990 Sea Ray 230CC Listing issues.

The term Listing means leaning to one side or the other. Is your boat listing? or just wants to turn one way all the time?

While the boat is at rest it sits level. The boat will drive straight and level up to around 10-15 mph, once I get above that the boat will list to the port side. Looking at other posts, I know my trim tab on the outdrive is sitting (trailing edge) just off center to the right. The turning issue is when I try to get above about 30 mph and it will try to turn to port.

I have taken a look at the steering assy aft the engine and don't see anything that might be causing the issue. I guess tomorrow I will try to disassembly the R&P so I can inspect it.

Hope that gives a little bit more information.

Thank you.

 

[southkogs]

Re: 1990 Sea Ray 230CC Listing issues.

I'm leaning toward a steering issue too, but (and sorry to do this to you) can you clarify just a bit more:

At 20MPH (so above that 10-15 range), the boat is on plane and rolling (listing) to the port side. Is it wanting to steer to port too? Or is it running straight while rolling/listing port?

Welcome aboard and BTW, I was just in Williamsburg a couple of weeks ago. It was my family's second trip there ... we'll be back too. Beautiful area.

 

[Maclin]

Re: 1990 Sea Ray 230CC Listing issues.

Welcome! and thanks for the "more better" info.

Does the trailer fit the boat, is the boat well supported when at rest? Hull distortion can result if not supported well.

Is the drive pristine, meaning no whale tail type fin(s) installed?

Does the boat have trim tabs installed? If so do they work properly, or if disabled are they up out of the way?

 

[Maclin]

Re: 1990 Sea Ray 230CC Listing issues.

Meant to ask if this boat is new to you and was always this way, or did this just start happening...