Uncontrollable ZIG-ZAG at slow speeds??

[gwp]

I've had 2 people tell me that there's it's characteristic for my mercruiser to zig-zag while idling along. I thought it was because the trim anode was not bolted on. When I bought one yesterday, the guy told me it won't help at slow speeds and that they all do that. I'm not talking slight zig zag, it is severe. I'm also told there's no adjustment in the steering cable to take up any slack. What's going on? Please help! Thanks much!

 

[gwp]

Re: Uncontrollable ZIG-ZAG at slow speeds??

Forgot to mention that there's about 2 inches of play in the steering cable. In other words, I can move the outdrive about 2 inches before steering wheel begins to turn. Thanks again!

 

[Walter]

Re: Uncontrollable ZIG-ZAG at slow speeds??

Gadoo...<br /><br />2 inches of steering play seems a bit excessive to me, but my boat snakes at slow speeds as well. I've had it since new and she's always done that... 18' V-hull with V-8 MerCruiser.<br /><br />Walt

 

[fone_man]

Re: Uncontrollable ZIG-ZAG at slow speeds??

Gadoo...<br /><br />As Walt says 2 inches... is excessive but this all depends on where you are taking this measurement...<br /><br />If you are standing behind outdrive & grab it & it moves 2 inches before steering wheel moves... I would say normal because mine is the same way.<br /><br />So for you understand concept, take yardstick & & do the same thing... arc at one end is going to be larger than other!!! This is what you are seeing... you are on the water not on wheels!!!... and for steering to be responsive you have to be moving stationary object (boat) to steer across water... also, they have NO BRAKES!!! So watch out for the dock!!!<br /><br />

 

[shea]

Re: Uncontrollable ZIG-ZAG at slow speeds??

At the risk of stating the obvious: if you are new to this boat, or boating, its possible that after a few cruises you will find "the boat got a lot better" ...my experience going from a 19 to a 27 was massive zig-zag until I got used to the new hull in the water. I also had to readjust the trim tab--it makes a huge difference at higher speeds. Make small adjustments, turn the tab toward the direction the boat wants to go (I don't know why since it seems it should go the other way)I have found that even a 2 degree change makes a big difference.

 

[gwp]

Re: Uncontrollable ZIG-ZAG at slow speeds??

Fone Man....I lost you on that one. Yes, I have 2" of play when moving the outdrive from side to side when it's on a trailer. My trim anode is off, but when I bought a replacement, the mechanic said it won't help the zig zagging at idle speed. As I'm motoring along, I can see the bubbles and turbulance caused from the prop swinging from side to side. Maybe I'm just over sensitive, but I sure wouldn't think this is normal because I CAN NOT go in a straight line. I must turn the steering wheel almost a complete revolution to counter the snaking. Maybe the trim anode will help some???? Thanks guys and may *** bless this forum!

 

[fone_man]

Re: Uncontrollable ZIG-ZAG at slow speeds??

I dont mean to be rude or anything but I think you are being a little sensitive to this issue... you should be able to move lower unit a little before steering wheel turns & yes, when at idle speed you will have to turn your steering wheel back and forth sometimes almost a completely around to keep it straight!!! Your "trim anode" has nothing to do with steering at idle this is used to control the pull/push of rotation of prop under load... "push/pull" are we talking Golf or Nascar here!!!<br /><br />As I said earlier, the boat does not have wheels... direction is controlled by prop moving water & it causes the boat to "Zig-Zag" at idle speed.... this is normal motion or operation of boat/lower unit.<br /><br />Is this your first boat... if so then this would tend to be unusual/unfamilar to you... let me know.<br /><br />

 

[gwp]

Re: Uncontrollable ZIG-ZAG at slow speeds??

OK...Maybe I'm oversensitive. Though I've had many outboards, this is my first I/O. I'll just get used to it. It just seems like it should be such an easy thing to remedy. Thanks

 

[Walter]

Re: Uncontrollable ZIG-ZAG at slow speeds??

If you are still uncomfortable with the steering play then by all means have all your steering linkages and connections checked. You can't be too careful in that regard. But if everything checks out, I'm sure your problem really isn't anything more than what would be considered normal sway. Your hull is pushing (displacing) a heck of a lot of water at idle speed. She's bound to wander a little...<br /><br />Keep us posted on your progress!<br /><br />Walt

 

[ODDD1]

Re: Uncontrollable ZIG-ZAG at slow speeds??

Gadoo...all v hulls have 'off plane wander' to some extent or another...it is inherent in the design......2" of slop at the aft edge of the drive is acceptable play...you could spend alot of money to eliminate SOME of it, and it will STILL wander...

 

[BRG25]

Re: Uncontrollable ZIG-ZAG at slow speeds??

I've got the same wander at slow speeds with my 3.0 Mercruiser with Alpha 1. This is my first boat and it drove me crazy. After reading many posts about this I understand it's normal..after all it's not a car. My tendency is to over correct which makes it worse. Small corrections letting the boat come back on course work for me.

 

[Bear]

Re: Uncontrollable ZIG-ZAG at slow speeds??

Sounds normal. Try to correct BEFORE the boat begins to turn. And not too much.