Boat Steering Trouble - won't turn right.

[new-boater]

Hi all,

I am a boating newbie and I could really use some help as I ran into a steering problem. I searched this and other forums for the last few days, but I can't seem to find an answer to my particular problem.

I bought a used 1992 Mirrocraft 16' fishing boat this year. It has a 1978 80 HP mercury OB, a Teleflex SH5023 Safe T (cable I believe) steering mechanism, and a T&R Marine mount kit. It steered fine for the first couple of outings of the season; but a couple of weeks ago when I launched from the dock, it would only turn right. I darn near ran into some other docked boats until I figured out how to get out through a series of right turns and reverses.

When I got the boat back up on the trailer and tried to figure out what was wrong, I noticed that when I turned the wheel all the way to the left, and the rod that connects to the link arm is fully inside the tube, the motor is sitting fairly straight rather than being turned. If I turn the wheel all the way to the right, the rod extends out of the tube and the motor turns completely (so I can turn right easily)

I thought that my link arm might be too bent, but from the pictures that I've seen online, it looks correct.

I'm sorry if I'm not using all of the correct terminology. I'm trying to learn as much as I can, but not being very mechanical, its taking me a while to learn about these systems. My next step is to take it to a mechanic, but I'm trying to ascertain whether it might be something simple that I can do myself before I dish out any money.

Thank you in advance for any help. I'll be happy to answer any follow up questions if I didn't provide enough information.

Ryan

 

[jl_photo]

Re: Boat Steering Trouble - won't turn right.

Ryan

It is had to tell from your description what exactly is happening so I will give some generic info.

The steering cable is made up of several still wires twisted together inside a tube that is wrapped with more stiff wires. If the wires on the inside break it gets stuck.

There is sometimes a grease fitting near the outboard. If there is too much grease it won't slide in and out with our compressing the grease and may only move in one direction

Water makes things rust if it hasn't been maintained well it may be stuck.

John

 

[Solittle]

Re: Boat Steering Trouble - won't turn right.

Disconnect the cable from the engine and try it. That will tell you if the problem is with the cable/helm or that your engine is binding.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Boat Steering Trouble - won't turn right.

Sounds like you have the wrong steering link. It needs to be a bit longer. Sometimes they are adjustable. Measure your's and go on the teleflex site and see if there is a longer one.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Boat Steering Trouble - won't turn right.

OK, another idea....The link should point to the middle of the tilt tube, where the grease fitting is located. Maybe you need to undo the steering link, set the motor straight, set the steering wheel to about the middle of it's travel (likely 3 turns or so lock to lock) and flip the rod back to the center of the tilt tube and connect it to the motor.