1989 Sea Ray Sportfisherman steering issue

[75torino]

Hi I hope this finds everyone well. I bought this boat in the spring and during the summer because of work (have to pay for it) it was used sparingly The issue that I am having is two fold One when I am trolling engine at idle on one engine the boat steers badly and is difficult to steer I have to sometimes start the other engine and put it into gear to get the boat to steer. The other issue is that on a plane I have a vibration that was not there before. I am thinking two things barnicles and growth and possible damage to a prop or rudder (all though I have not hit anything that I know ) I can't believe that Sea Ray would make a fishing boat that does not steer at slow speeds any suggestions would be appriciated Thanks Conard

 

[1956olds]

Vibration could be barnacles on the props.No boat steers good at slow speeds.I used to use trolling a bag on the opposite side of the engine that i am trolling with.

 

[75torino]

That is actually what I think I bought the boat in the spring and was told that the bottom paint would last for one more yea I am going to pull her in the 2nd or 3rd week of November....we will see then

 

[SCORPIO]

75TORINO If you are running on only one engine, then the thrust is off center and will cause the boat to yaw to the side with the shut down engine. Also, outdrive lower units tend to function like rudders and will tend to wander at low speed, especially with only one in gear. Most stern drive boats have power steering with the pump being on only one engine, in my case its on the starboard engine. If I shut that one down, my steering effort goes up dramatically. Are you by chance running on the engine with no pump?

I see you are just down the road from me in southern York County. Do you boat on the Chesapeake or one of its tributaries?

 

[75torino]

75TORINO If you are running on only one engine, then the thrust is off center and will cause the boat to yaw to the side with the shut down engine. Also, outdrive lower units tend to function like rudders and will tend to wander at low speed, especially with only one in gear. Most stern drive boats have power steering with the pump being on only one engine, in my case its on the starboard engine. If I shut that one down, my steering effort goes up dramatically. Are you by chance running on the engine with no pump?

I see you are just down the road from me in southern York County. Do you boat on the Chesapeake or one of its tributaries?

I boat on the Chesapeake Bay I am a member of North Point Yacht Club on Jones Creek if you are familiar My boat is straight inboards I reached under it tonight and it is loaded with crud

 

[Creekwood]

Vibration could be barnacles on the props.No boat steers good at slow speeds.I used to use trolling a bag on the opposite side of the engine that i am trolling with.

I think you mean on the same side as the engine you are using.

 

[Creekwood]

That is actually what I think I bought the boat in the spring and was told that the bottom paint would last for one more yea I am going to pull her in the 2nd or 3rd week of November....we will see then

sounds like the seller or broker knew the bottom paint was worn out.