Can I pin the steering on my 07 Merc 6HP?

jrs_diesel

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 3, 2010
Messages
552
I have a 2007 long shaft Mercury 6HP on the back of my sailboat and I have a interesting issue with it. I normally use it for motoring off my mooring and usually use my rudder for steering. As such I have the steering friction cranked in to keep the motor centered fore and aft. The only time I loosen the steering friction is when I need vectored thrust for pulling into a tight dock.

My issue is even with me hand tightening the friction adjuster hand tight the motor will pivot to one side slightly due to its vibration. That leaves me to use the rudder to counteract the motor. I have tried several times to tighten it up by hand and it will eventually pivot. I don't want to strip or break the bolt by using pliers on it. Is there any way I can pin the motor so it stays centered?
 
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