Hard Steering at High Speeds

ta400man

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 22, 2006
Messages
46
Hello to everyone at iboats. I am new to the forum and new to the sport of boating.<br /><br />I recently purchased a 87 sunbird eurosport with a merc 3.7L 165hp motor. I purchased the boat for 2G and I think the boat is in good condition but needs a little TLC. I know of one issue with the boat and that is the hard steering at high speeds.<br /><br />I am inclined to fix the problem my self but I am not sure if this task is possible. I spoke the mechanic at the marina where the boat the is currently stored. He thinks the cable the runs between the engine and the steering wheel needs to be replaced. What do other people think the problem is?<br /><br />As for more detail on the problem, all I know is that the boat steers easy at low speeds but when you are at higher speeds you really have to muscle the wheel around.<br /><br />Thanks in Advance,<br />Shawn
 

Haut Medoc

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jun 29, 2004
Messages
10,645
Re: Hard Steering at High Speeds

Welcome to iboats :) Does it have power steering?<br />If so are the belts tight& the pump full?....JK
 

ta400man

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 22, 2006
Messages
46
Re: Hard Steering at High Speeds

I am not sure about the power steering. I assume the boat were produced with and without power steering. Do you know if boats produced around 87 typically would have power steering.
 

Haut Medoc

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jun 29, 2004
Messages
10,645
Re: Hard Steering at High Speeds

Probably yes...But I don't know for sure...<br />You are gonna have to look & see for yourself...JK
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,012
Re: Hard Steering at High Speeds

If it steers Easy at displacement speeds,+ Steers Hard while On Plane,.......<br /><br />I'd be Turning,+ Tuning the Torque Tab.........<br /><br />You Probably have 1 hanging down from the ACplate,.. Just Above,+ Behind the Prop.......It doubles as a Anode....<br />There's Probably an Allenhead screw that's accessed from the Hole above it........<br /><br />If it steers Hard All the time,.... I'd Agree with the Cable,......<br />If that's the Case,......<br />A Complete New Helm,+ Cable is only a Very few dollars more than Just the Cable............ ;)
 

180shabah

Rear Admiral
Joined
Mar 26, 2005
Messages
4,995
Re: Hard Steering at High Speeds

If it steers easily at low speeds then the cable is probably fine. Is it equally hard to steer in both directions or is one direction a little harder?
 

ta400man

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 22, 2006
Messages
46
Re: Hard Steering at High Speeds

Bondo,<br /><br />I am a little confused on your reply.<br /><br />It sounds like the cable might be ok and there are adjustments on the IO the needs to be performed by a marine mechanic.<br /><br />Does anyone recommend a engine book or source that works well to detial the components and trouble shoot.<br /><br />Thanks
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: Hard Steering at High Speeds

It takes patients, an allen wrench and some adjustmentes to get it just right.<br /><br />
trim-tab.gif
<br /><br />Here is a link to the OEM Mercruiser service manual. Lots of info in that manual if you take the time to look at all the sections.<br /><br /> http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6covr3.pdf
 

Northern Eclipse

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 24, 2003
Messages
665
Re: Hard Steering at High Speeds

I doubt there is power steering, not many of the 3.7's did. Trim tab placement is a good place to start as Don suggested, If you find the steering pulls hard when at speed try trimming the drive out (bow up) a little bit at a time, when you obtain the correct trim angle the steering should relax. I have found this to be true with previous boats I owned without power steering.
 
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