Steering Problem

[merc1997 Bo]

hydraulic steering is nice, and for those that can not tell that hydraulic is any better, that is probably a true statement to some extent. when you are dealing with a 200 hp+ motor, and running 70+, this is where hydraulic steering systems have a big advantage.

for the boat in question, i would probably just opt for a new helm and cables.

as fishinwrench state, the areas of problems with cables is where the cable make a sharp bend. the more sweeping type bends cables make, the better they last. moisture corrosion is another deteriorating factor that gets cables.

bo

[dblades]

Think I actually have a little less feel with hydraulic steering, either that or my engine mounts are shot.

[fishinwrench]

Think I actually have a little less feel with hydraulic steering, either that or my engine mounts are shot.

That could very well be. Just over the last couple years I have started finding disintegrated upper mounts caused from seemingly minor fuel leaks dripping alcohol enhanced fuel on the rubber.

I'm not a fan of hydraulic steering either. If there is some excessive prop torque going on I prefer to FEEL IT so that it can be corrected with either a trim tab adjustment or a trim position/motor height adjustment.

[Ham]

^{You can do some amazing things with proper trim tab adjustment.}

[GNSfishing]

My 2010 Mercury 225 Pro XS has no trim tab..... When you trim the motor up the trim tab has no function anyway.

[Ham]

I was running a 18 ft G3 HP 180 with a Yammy 130 hp. I think it had anti feedback cable steering and when I adjusted the trim tab. It would run WOT with ZERO pull either way. I could release the steering wheel and the boat did not change course.

There was some pull to the left at lower speeds, but that was much better than the pull to the right from the prop at WOT.

I'm in a BassCat Cougar with a Pro XS 250 now. I have the Sea Star system. It takes me a little while to learn a new boat, but I'm pretty comforatble in the "new" boat now. Rock solid at 69 MPH , pretty squirrelly at 72 MPH. I run 45 mph a lot more than 65 MPH. The 70 plus MPH thing isn't my deal.

[Chunk Rock]

Amen to the 45 mph Ham, that seems to be my boats sweet spot, 196 Champ with 200 Yammy

[fishinwrench]

Yeah unless the spot you are wanting to fish is 30+ miles away from the ramp you really won't get there that much sooner running flat out.

[Ham]

Yeah unless the spot you are wanting to fish is 30+ miles away from the ramp you really won't get there that much sooner running flat out.

i hear ya wrench, but I just won't hardly run that far to fish. I'd much rather trailer close to the fish if at all possible. I mainly use WOT to outrun weather or darkness if I fish too long.

[fishinwrench]

Exactly. I haven't driven a boat more than 15 miles from a ramp/dock since my tournament fishin' days. And wouldn't have done it then if I didn't think I had to.