Loose Steering

[Stagger]

I have a 2003 260DA and at low speeds theres a lot of play in the steering. Going through the no wake channel near where I dock can be quite the challenge when it is crowded. I would like to correct this problem. From what ive read the most likely culprits are the gimbal ring or the steering cable. Does anyone know the part number for a replacement steering cable? or what it would be best to replace it with? Thanks

 

[scoflaw]

Figure out where the slop is first. 3" of wheel movement is considered the norm.

 

[Stagger]

Figure out where the slop is first. 3" of wheel movement is considered the norm.

Thank you, I think it’s more than that but I will check for sure

 

[Lazy Daze]

Is this your first "planing" style boat?

 

[Stagger]

Is this your first "planing" style boat?

First any kind of boat

 

[Nater Potater]

Most I/O's suffer an annoying "swagger" when slowly plowing through the water. I've never found a good explanation as to why, but both my 18' runabout and 30' twin act the same.

 

[Espos4]

Thank you, I think it’s more than that but I will check for sure

Even with everything in good condition, it’ll always be more like “early 70’s full size Cadillac” than modern day sports car steering.

 

[Thornton69]

Had the steering lever loosen up on the top pin on ours a few ago. Mostly due to corrosion. It allowed the leg to wag about 8-10" on the trailer. Something else to look at. The part number for the steering cable which includes it length should be on both ends of the cable sheath but your free play is likely not in the cable itself.

 

[Little Ducky]

Trailered or wet slipped?

When the drive is in the down position see how much wiggle side to side the drive has.

When I had a 2011 260 DA w/ B3 I was always over correcting in and around the docks going slow it drove me a bit nuts a time or two.

 

[Lazy Daze]

First any kind of boat

OK, in that case, you're probably just experiencing the normal "wandering" that boats of this style hull will have. It can happen from prop walk, but you have a B3 so that helps to make it better. The other thing that happens is that the water rushes down the side of the hull and around the corner of the transom, sort of "pulling" on that corner. That tension breaks and then it happens on the other side. Essentially, that's what causes it. For you, as you get more time behind the seat, you'll find you can anticipate when the wander will happen from left to right and you can counter steer. Eventually you'll be doing it without even thinking about it. Sometimes, deploying the tabs and experimenting with different trim angles of the drive can help a bit. The faster you go, it will go away completely.

 

[Stagger]

Thanks for the responses everyone!

 

[Pirate Lady]

Its normal. As said above. Its very annoying.