Does anyone esle find this boat very difficult to steer while motoring? and if so is there anything that can be done to
fix it? it is the only thing that has me wanting to sell this boat.
ModsNote: Directional control is a frequent complaint about the powersailers, mainly due to their flat-bottomed hulls. That means this topic recurs frequently.
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Mine is very easy to the starboard. Very difficult to Port. Part of the reason is the cable way guide tube. When the cables are pushed into the hull they catch on the rubber flange. I also think the rudders tied in the up position are contributing to the tension.
I experienced difficulties in choppy and windy conditions...mostly on the Chesapeake. At full throttle with the boards up, as the bow bounced around and was "pushed" around by chop and wind I had difficulties holding a steady heading. And the steering felt very tight.
No problems going slow with boards down. With boards up, in choppy/windy conditions I normally start having issues above 10-12 mph. So in those conditions I normally try and set 10 mph for control purposes.
Since those steering difficulties my steering froze up and I stripped the pinion gear. I have replaced my steering with a new Teleflex R & P system and have minimal difficulties since then...but I haven't had too much choppy/windy conditions since then either.
And no real issues on smooth water.
I believe there have been previous posts on this subject. You might try searching for other posts on this topic.
It is a good idea to lub the cables up early and often, I spray white lub all over the cables and other moving places in the back, when ever I have to crawl back there, no real bearings but lots of bolts through holes in tubes. I also opened up the hole in the stern where the connction to the motor passes through, mine was rubbing there so a little file and sand paper fixed it. There is probably a better lub than the white stuff I use, one that works well in marine environments.
The instructions that came with my Teleflex R & P specifically stated to lube the steering rod where it comes out of the cable. I think it mentioned the type of lube/grease but I can't remember and don't have the document on this continent. It came pre-lubed with a thick white grease though.
Lubing (with what I am not sure yet) it is part of my checklist when I get back to my boat this December.
I agree with the "rudders tied up to tight", and the "pivot bolts at all of the linkage pieces" being to snug.
Don't forget that there are grease fittings for the steering pivot point on the motor itself that should be greased once a year.
Does the hard steering change if the motor is connected or not?
My tight steering was corrected by loosening the nut 1/4 turn on the pivot bolt at the steering cable to the starboard rudder.
I put a teflon tube sleeve over the motor connecting rod where it comes through the hull to keep it rubbing against the fiberglass. It also permanently stops the annoying squeek. In heavy seas and winds it's probably best to have the foils down and just go slow.
i usually notice the problem going slow with rudders down. like pulling into the slip, or
getting around the marina. When going fast with rudders down or up i dont have too much
problem. I bought this boat used and it had been stored for several years. So i will look at
the cables and make sure nothing is hanging. I wasnt sure if a larger wheel would help.
Hello, Takes a little getting use to. Some of this has been said before -
Makes sure your rudders are all the way down.
Makes sure that motor is down.
Dagger board is at least 3 feet down.
Now, tighten all bolts in stearing system. Start with the rudder bolts, NOT so tight that they wll not move up and down but snug. Then go below and tightened the linkage bolts so that as much play is taken out.
Check to see if the motor is aligned with the rudders. Mine was off by 1/2 inch.
With that said, the boat does well at above 3/4 mph. Slower it does not do well at all. It takes a little practice and a steady hand but the motor will reverse stop the boat. Just allow enough space to change gears. Plan at least 2x the length and 2x the time. Come into the dock at an angle and then turn the motor into the dock and hit the reverse. Easy with it or it will throw all crew.
Don't forget the trim tab on the outboard. I "used" to have a tough time steering to port under power. A slight tweak of the trim tab, and all is good.
I spoke with Blue Water Yachts, they told me my steering problem is most likey the rack and pinion steering.
Early 2003 models were not all stainless steel, she said there is most likely a part that has corroded and i will
need to replace the rack and pinion steering. NIce!!
I replaced my R & P in May 07. At first it seemed quite daunting and I was contemplating getting a professional. But once I started it wasn't that bad. New system works like a champ and definitely improved my steering.
I think the new Teleflex R & P was around $170. Also do some exploring for posts regarding the rotary system and the No-Feedback system. Several of the folks on this board use those systems as well and recommend them. I am sure somebody will post a link to threads on those systems.
