Tiller feels stiff... Simple problem?

[wakerider017]

Finally finished my Carolina Skiff J16 project and took it to the lake today.

Running a 25hp Yamaha 2-stroke, tiller, 20" shaft, pull start. (I believe model code is 25MLH). Runs like a dream and got my boat going 30MPH loaded down with gear and 2 guys.

PROBLEM:

The tiller on my motor felt very stiff and was difficult to turn as you gained speed (say anything over 5-10mph). I have driven a few other tiller steer outboards before and never remember them being this difficult to steer. It almost took 2 hands to push the tiller at some points... I am not a big guy, but I am 6ft 170lbs and I don't think it should be this hard for me to steer. The only thing I have adjusted on the motor is the trim angle so the shaft is parallel with the transom.

Wondering if any of you have any suggestions.

 

[SuzukiChopper]

Re: Tiller feels stiff... Simple problem?

The only thing I have adjusted on the motor is the trim angle so the shaft is parallel with the transom.

This might be your problem. This would cause your boat to be bow down especially with any weight forward. Makes it very difficult to steer. May be worth playing with the trim to get the angle you need for your boat and cargo.

 

[wakerider017]

Re: Tiller feels stiff... Simple problem?

Readjusted the motor (1 hole back) so the cavy plate was very close to parallel with the bottom of the boat and the shaft was close to level.

Took the boat out in the Gulf today and the steering is still tough. My arm was pretty tired at the end of the day.

1 thing I noticed is that the cavy plate is a good 1.5-2 inches below the bottom of the boat. Not too much I can do about that with out getting a jack plate. Would this cause stiff steering?

I have one more trim hole left to move the motor back. But I think that would put it too far back so it is no longer level with the bottom of the boat.

This is a little upsetting.

 

[SuzukiChopper]

Re: Tiller feels stiff... Simple problem?

Try the next hole out for your trim but you may have your motor too low. You may need to raise it one notch and keep the same trim setting. There have been a lot of threads about multiple motor moves that have finally hit the sweet spot, it just really takes some trial and error to get it to where it needs to be.

 

[wakerider017]

Re: Tiller feels stiff... Simple problem?

Try the next hole out for your trim but you may have your motor too low. You may need to raise it one notch and keep the same trim setting. There have been a lot of threads about multiple motor moves that have finally hit the sweet spot, it just really takes some trial and error to get it to where it needs to be.

I am new to outboards... How do you vertically raise the motor?

I thought it was at a set height that was non adjustable??

 

[SuzukiChopper]

Re: Tiller feels stiff... Simple problem?

Raising and lowering depends on the type of transom mount. I don't know about your particular OB but after a quick look, a jack plate might be the only way you're going to be able to move it up or down. Hopefully someone who has had one of these motors or knows more about them can chime in or at least someone who is proficient in adjusting motors for a particular boat, I'm just going off what I've read in other posts.

Anyone else? help?

 

[James R]

Re: Tiller feels stiff... Simple problem?

Judging by my boats and others that I work on the height of your motor is good.
The trim will depend on hull form and weight distribution. The cavitation plate is not usually set to be parallel to the bottom of the boat.
I have a 15ft duracraft with a 15hp 4st Yamaha and the best position for the motor, with one bod in the bow and me in the back, puts the motor slightly tucked in at the bottom. Comes on the plane and stears easily.
Experiment some more. Incidentally, if you have a Whale tail on the motor and the motor angle is not correct this can cause problems.
We are of course assuming that you are having problems stearing both ways.
If it is only one way then your trim tab, if you have one, is incorrectly set.

 

[FishnMike]

Re: Tiller feels stiff... Simple problem?

I've got the same motor on a 15' Gregor alum v-hull. If I tuck the motor in due to rough water conditions the steering is very tough. I usually run my motor on the last trim position.

FishnMike