Please help me steer right

S

ski4funn

New Member
Feb 7, 2009
28
Chesterfield, VA
Boat Info
240 Sea Ray
Engines
OMC 350
I have a 1977 25' Sea Ray SVX240 that is horrible to steer. I have the mechanical cable steering (according to the previous owner, was replaced 3-4 years ago). I have had my mechanic look over the boat and said the steering is fine. The boat has the 350 GM motor, with the stringer OMC outdrive. Does anybody have any ideas? My mechanic also said that I couldn't switch over to hydralic steer. I was hoping to do so because it is very difficult to steer. The last time I was out on the Chesapeake Bay (Dec. 08) fishing, when I was traveling to my spot (going about 30 mph.) I had to pull as hard as I could with both hands to steer. That's not enjoyable at all. HELP FROM ANYBODY WITH IDEAS. My mechanic also said I had a sharper than normal bend (not a kink) in the cables (near the battery compartment) where it runs to the steering control, but that wouldn't hurt the steering.

I did want to add that when I am trolling or the boat is sitting still, the steering is easy (1hand in any direction); it is just as I increase speed the steering is almost impossible especially at higher speed (above 20 mph)
 
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Try disconnecting the cables from the drive, and see how hard it is to turn the wheel and move the drive. If it's still hard, disconnect the cables from the wheel. This will isolate your tough spot. My guess is that it is in the cables and in the area you discussed. See if there is any other way to route the cables. Would it be better if you bought longer cables and made the corner with a bigger radius?

Is there a kink? Can you straighten it out? Is something clamped onto the cables inappropriately. Just some thoughts.

Good luck.
 
First see if its a cable issue. If they check oout ok, try adjusting the trim fin on the back of the outdrive. It will help with the condition you describe.
 
Mine is the same settup, however I got her engineless and can't tell you how this boat handles. However, my father had a 86 arrow glass with a 130 hp 4 cly OMC and the Stringer drive. The steering was effortless at idle and more difficult as you speed up. At speed (20 MPH) you needed to actually "work" to turn the wheel.

Now bear in mind I was 10 when he bought it and 17 when he sold it. I'm 31 now, but that is what I remember.

As far as the bends in the cable, the straighter the better.
 
Sounds like it's the nature of the beast. If the steering is OK at idle and low speeds but gets progressively worse as speed increases, it's not the steering cable, it's the physics of the drive and steering system. I'm under the impression that Teleflex makes a hydraulic steering system that can be used to replace any mechanical steering system. It's just not cheap.

Best regards,
Frank
 
If I remember right she turned one way easier than the other under power however both ways were stiff none the less. Just don't remember which way. I'd be willing to bet that this is one of the many reasons OMC ditched our stringers?
 
From the sounds of it everything is fine. If it steers fine at idle and just get's worse as you go I would say it is not a cable issue. I had an early 80's 17' boat without power steering and that was a chore to drive also. Got real tired of pulling skiers and tubers as it was almost impossible to turn the boat around to pick them back up. Sometime I felt like I was going to snap the steering wheel off. I told my wife the next boat we own will have power steering. The next one did and it was a GREAT improvement.

-Ryan
 
This is one of the conditions I forgot about. Looks like I'm in for some fun!!! Good thing I have big arms:grin:
 
Adjust that trim tab fin I mentioned, it acts like a rudder to help counter that torque steer you are experiencing. It may not eliminate it, but it should improve it. My last boat had an OMC Stringer 800 with power steering and I never had any problems one finger steering her, even at WOT.
 
SCORPIO said:
Adjust that trim tab fin I mentioned, it acts like a rudder to help counter that torque steer you are experiencing. It may not eliminate it, but it should improve it. My last boat had an OMC Stringer 800 with power steering and I never had any problems one finger steering her, even at WOT.
Click to expand...

Now I understand the point of that little tab that seems to be at an angle. Ive wondered about that for YEARS...Sad huh?
:huh:
 
SCORPIO said:
Adjust that trim tab fin I mentioned, it acts like a rudder to help counter that torque steer you are experiencing. It may not eliminate it, but it should improve it. My last boat had an OMC Stringer 800 with power steering and I never had any problems one finger steering her, even at WOT.
Click to expand...


Spot on!!! this adjustment will make a world of difference.
 
GLM12670.jpg
 
Just another reason why this forum is king! You learn somthing every day!
 
ck the fin on the bottom of the lower unit. take a socket with you and adjust it untill it is where you like it . make small adjustments like 1-2 deg's at a time. they can be verry touchy. it is hard to turn in only one direction because of engine propulsion. if it turns easy when not movung it is not the cables . your mechnic should have picked up on that. you can change to power steering if you change you intermidate housing and install a pump. not cheap but can be done. good luck
 
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