Transom modification *updated* (pics added) 5/28/12

[Orbits3]

Hello guys, I have acquired a 1988 bayliner bass trophy it is 17ft 10in with a 2001 johnson 70hp outboard. I am new to boating so I have zero experience. When I took the boat out for the first time I noticed that when I turn right the steering arm hits on the side of the transom preventing me from being able to make tight right turns. There is a hole on the left side in the same spot for all of the cables and I was wondering if I drilled a hole in the right side to allow the steering arm room to travel would it weaken the boat. I was also thinking if I did droll this hole I would epoxy a pvc cap in place to prevent water from entering the boat. Does this sound reasonable or completely crazy? Are there any other ways to fix this steering problem? I will post pics asap I am posting this from my phone do I can't add pics. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Cadwelder]

Re: Transom modification

Re: Transom modification

If all is installed correctly, this problem should not exist. I'll wait for the pictures and see what's going on here...

CW

 

[Orbits3]

Re: Transom modification

Re: Transom modification

ok so here are the pictures

This one is the motor turned all the way to the left.This one is the motor turned as far as it will go to the right. This is the hole for the cables. This is the steering arm hitting on the boat not allowing the motor to fully turn. Thie is a close up of the steering arm hitting the boat. Thanks again for any help

 

[Cadwelder]

Re: Transom modification

Re: Transom modification

HMMM, is there an adjustment in the connector link? The only one I ran into like this turned out to be the wrong connector link. Maybe some more experence with the particular problem will chime in here..


CW

 

[Orbits3]

Re: Transom modification

Re: Transom modification

Thats one of the first things I checked for unfortunately there are no adjustments on the connector link to adjust the steering that I know about. I acutally went out and checked it again and the connector link isn't hitting. The shaft is hitting when its extended. I took measurements and it should extend out another inch if it wasn't hitting. Thanks for the help

 

[93bayliner1800]

Re: Transom modification

Re: Transom modification

I think it is the steering of a force motor setup....my force where the steering rod goes through on the right side is offset to that side. The steel pipe that the steering arm slides through needs to adjust to the right. If your will not adjust by the two nuts on either side then you could change or make a new threaded piece that is longer and can make it shift farther right. This will make it turn farther both ways and you will probably have to shorten connecting arm.