Bravo III Steering Problem

[Laditudes328]

Just wondering if anyone has experience with steering problems on Bravo III outdrives? I have twin Mercruiser 350 Magnums, Fuel Injected, turning Bravo III drives (year 2003). The setup is power-assist steering with the starboard motor running the power steering pump. The helm is a Teleflex cable helm. I bought this boat new in 2003 and the steering has never been correct. When I let go of the helm at cruising speed the boat turns itself into a hard over starboard turn. The wheel actually spins at the helm. I do not have the "fight" the helm to keep the boat running straight, but when I let go, it will steer itself. Drive alignment was checked in 2005 and deemed to be correct. This spring, I had the yard replace the hydraulic steering actuator and cylinder. That still did not fix the problem. Since the helm is cable only (no hydraulic helm) I am running out of ideas. I think it must be the toe in/out alignment of the drives, but the yard says that is not the case. Can anyone lend advice?

 

[skibum]

That's a strange problem... Sounds like the boat is turning without input, and the drives are along for the ride. Have you had the hull checked for straightness? Maybe the transom is not perpendicular to the centerline of the boat?

 

[twomad]

sounds like you might have a hook in the hull

 

[duckmnn]

I know a guy going thru the exact same problem right now. Except its with a new formula . Been serviced a lot trying to fix. Don't think they got it yet . May be hull. We bought new bass boat several years ago . It had a hooked hull they replaced it.

 

[Laditudes328]

Thanks for the feedback. I hope it is not a hull issue, but think that you guys may be correct. It would be a real battle trying to get the hull replaced after 10 years, but I have documentation going back to 2004 with various dealers/boat yards trying to fix the problem. Planning to pull the boat next week to measure and check drive alignment again and I guess I'll go from there.