Stick Steer Problems

[jwells2009]

I have a mechanical steer(stick steer system) from ezglyde, its on a 16ft bass tracker with a 50 hp outboard. When pushing the stick forward, turning left, there is very little force required and it will turn quite sharply. However when pulling on the stick, turning right, it is almost impossible to move and will not turn all the way. Any suggestions on how to fix?

 

[gm280]

When you have the boat going perfectly straight, is the stick straight up and down? And if so, it the engine perfectly center? If either of those things are not aligned, you will have to adjust which ever one is out until both are. Can you move the engine to either side with about the same force when the stick steering is not connected? That would be a great place to start.

 

[GA_Boater]

Along with what GM suggested, is the stick movement in both directions free with the cable disconnected at the motor? A failing cable or gearbox can move easier in one direction than the other.

Welcome aboard.

 

[jwells2009]

Whenever the cable is disconnected it moves freely, and no that was another question I had but didn’t post, whenever the engine is straight on the stick is about half way forward. And yes engine moves freely without attached and cable moves freely not attached to engine. Very confusing to me as it doesn’t seem to be the engine or the cable, but when attaching them it has major issues moving. Thank you for the replies.

 

[GA_Boater]

It may be the gearbox.

 

[jwells2009]

It may be the gearbox.

Can you explain a little more?

 

[GA_Boater]

The box the stick and cable are attached to. The stick turns a gear what is meshed with the cable end.

 

[jwells2009]

The box the stick and cable are attached to. The stick turns a gear what is meshed with the cable end.

Yea I know what the gear box is, just wondering if you could explain how it could cause strange side to side movement.

 

[GA_Boater]

Things wear out. Check out the insides.

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/589c9b72e4fcb56412fa9ef7/t/58ac61babe65941a2bc269b7/1487692219297/RC-Installation-Instructions-32216.pdf

 

[gm280]

I agree that things do wear out. BUT, if this is an established stick steering setup that worked fine at one time, I don't see anything that would miss-align the stick position to the engine position. Usually that type problem is because someone ordered a too long or too short replacement cable. The "guts" of such a system doesn't have gears per say, but one reel that the cable wraps around as the stick moves. I don't see anything that could change with that type setup other then a cable that has broken inside the sheathing.

I have such a stick steering system and I can't see how there would be any issue other then a replacement too long or short cable. JMHO

 

[GA_Boater]

I agree that things do wear out. BUT, if this is an established stick steering setup that worked fine at one time, I don't see anything that would miss-align the stick position to the engine position. Usually that type problem is because someone ordered a too long or too short replacement cable. The "guts" of such a system doesn't have gears per say, but one reel that the cable wraps around as the stick moves. I don't see anything that could change with that type setup other then a cable that has broken inside the sheathing.

I have such a stick steering system and I can't see how there would be any issue other then a replacement too long or short cable. JMHO

Well let's ask.

Was working fine until this began or never worked right? Had the boat for a while or new to you? New or old cable?