Side to Side play on wheel

Kubaat3lover

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 6, 2019
Messages
443
Hello I’ve got Alpha 1 Gen 2 from 2005.
Boat has a play when moving from left to right, how much play is acceptable ? I can see steering cable connected to the cylinder at the transom and a nut, should I tighten it all the way in?? There is CAUTION mark there ??
 

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Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
49,577
is this play when you are cruising along?

or is it play when the outdrive is held firm, engine off and the steering is moved slightly?

depending on helm style. there will be a bit of play at the helm, a bit of play at the steering assembly at the stern and within the drive. this normally is about 2" or so on the wheel

if you are cruising along at below planing speed. you are most likely experiencing v-hull wander
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
70,958
Ayuh,..... It takes 3 folks to check to see exactly where such slop is,....

One to hold/ shake the steerin' wheel,.....
One to hold/ shake the outdrive,.....
'n the 3rd to look at All the connections to see exactly where the wear is,.....
 

Ed Yez

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 15, 2022
Messages
38
If it's like mine, you might have tolerance stacking, a little bit of extra play in each component of the system, which adds up to all that movement in the wheel.
 
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