Steering problem

[dejv]

I just bought a mariner 40hp 2 stroke outboard, fitted a console and new cables and everything is working ok when on land or in sea.

but when I reach certain speed (not much) when I steer to the right it is easy but when I steer to the left it is much harder any suggestions ?

 

[Fed]

Re: Steering problem

Try trimming it out a hole or two and try adjusting your trim tab.

 

[dejv]

Re: Steering problem

what do you mean trimming it out a hole or two? and how do you adjust the trim tab?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Steering problem

The torque resistance of the prop is fighting you. Make sure the motor is mounted at the proper height and the trim is not too high. I have seen people mount motors wrong and left turns were near impossible.

 

[dejv]

Re: Steering problem

attached please find some photos.
is the motor mounted to the correct height?

 

[Fleetwin]

Re: Steering problem

Your engine height (mounting) looks OK.

THere is also a series of tranverse holes with a pin through them at the bottom of your mounting bracket. Those are for trim. You can adjust the height of the propeller in relation to the bottom of the boat by lifting the engine and moving the pin. This is all assuming that you do not have power trim.

Do you see that tab hanging down behind the prop?. That is your trim tab. That is used to adjust steering effort, while on plane, from side to side.Loosen up the bolt above it and turn the trailing edge in the direction of the steering pull. In your case, to the right. It will take some experimentation to get the steering effort just right.

 

[dejv]

Re: Steering problem

the motor has power trim. ok will try to adjust the trim tab.

also when fitting the motor I was told by a boat maker to put the motor not exactly in the middle (move 1 inch to the right)

 

[64osby]

Re: Steering problem

^^^ Never heard that one before.

 

[Slow Ride]

Re: Steering problem

It seems to me you might be worrying about a non issue. All outboard motors have this problem and is different at various speeds, RPMs and trim levels. If you fix it at your cruising speed, you will probably find that it does it as some other speed along the way. Point is, make it as comfortable as you can for your driving habit and expect a little torque at some of the other speeds. Bigger motors require hydraulic steering to make it possible to drive them because they produce more torque than the average man wants to deal with. On a smaller motor such as yours, I would not spend the money required for hydraulic steering but I might consider a "No Feedback" system if you do not already have one. It will hold the boat steady and will not let the torque move the motor if you happen to let go of the wheel for a second or two. TELEFLEX is the brand I have used. It is easy to install and if you already have a TELEFLEX cable you will only need the helm steering box.

 

[64osby]

Re: Steering problem

1+ on the NFB steering advise above. I installed one last year and it's awesome.