Steering help-95 Sundancer 250?

[bobpeltz]

Hi all! Relatively new to this. Just bought a 95 Sundancer 250 last fall. Only out a few times, but I feel the steering is awfully sloppy. I realize it’s not a sports car, and I am told sloppy steering is often normal and I should get used to it. But it’s got to be able to be better than what I’m experiencing. I can’t imagine it can’t be. I’m looking for an expert who can take a look at and likely repair it this winter, somewhere within 200 or 300 miles of Indianapolis, Indiana. Any suggestions much appreciated!

 

[Pirate Lady]

Surprised no one replied. First boat? Its normal with every outdrive when not on plane. E.v.e.r.y. One.
Solution is there is no solution. Trick is let it do it and dont saw the wheel back and forth. Only makes it worse.
I am serious, it will never be tight like a car.

 

[Jimmy Buoy]

Hi all! Relatively new to this. Just bought a 95 Sundancer 250 last fall. Only out a few times, but I feel the steering is awfully sloppy. I realize it’s not a sports car, and I am told sloppy steering is often normal and I should get used to it. But it’s got to be able to be better than what I’m experiencing. I can’t imagine it can’t be. I’m looking for an expert who can take a look at and likely repair it this winter, somewhere within 200 or 300 miles of Indianapolis, Indiana. Any suggestions much appreciated!

As already said, probably normal for a single IO. Putting around at slow speeds is kind of like pushing a shopping cart backwards - one moment of distraction and you quickly go the wrong direction.

That being said, it would be good to rule out something amiss with your Bravo I steering connections. Easy to do. You physically grab hold of the steering lever on the inside of the transom (behind the engine). Then have an assistant move the outdrive (have it lowered first) left and right slightly to see if there is any play where the steering lever connects to the outdrive - there shouldn't be any play there.

The play is probably with the push/pull steering cable. A certain amount of play is inherent with the system due to the clearance needed between the cable and sheath. No clearance - it no move! Too much wear with either the cable of sheath (or both) and it becomes sloppy and sticky.

 

[bobpeltz]

As already said, probably normal for a single IO. Putting around at slow speeds is kind of like pushing a shopping cart backwards - one moment of distraction and you quickly go the wrong direction.

That being said, it would be good to rule out something amiss with your Bravo I steering connections. Easy to do. You physically grab hold of the steering lever on the inside of the transom (behind the engine). Then have an assistant move the outdrive (have it lowered first) left and right slightly to see if there is any play where the steering lever connects to the outdrive - there shouldn't be any play there.

The play is probably with the push/pull steering cable. A certain amount of play is inherent with the system due to the clearance needed between the cable and sheath. No clearance - it no move! Too much wear with either the cable of sheath (or both) and it becomes sloppy and sticky.

Jimmy Buoy: Thanks! Sorry for the delay responding, I am getting her ready for summer finally (got up to 68 degrees in Indy a couple of days ago). I had a friend help me check this. There is only a small bit of slop when you try to swing the out drive while holding the steering lever connected to it. But then I had him swing the steering wheel while I watched the connection to the steering lever. He could actually swing the wheel about 2 inches to the left, and then swing it all the way over another 2 inches to the right (about four inches total) and it did not move the steering lever or outdrive. He actually had to swing it further! I have a video of this. So I got behind the steering wheel and looked at the rack and pinion assembly and checked the bolts. All four nylock nuts that hold the casting together were loose (I don’t like nylock nuts)! I tightened them and used stainless lock washers, but there was little difference. So my concern is this: I have restored cars all my life, and I just don’t think this amount of slop can be due to the slop between the cable and its sheathing, provided the cable is connected directly to the lever. It has to be something else. Someone told me the way it works is actually that the cable comes from the rack and pinion and attaches first to a hydraulic assembly, and you have to turn the wheel a couple of inches one way or the other to get fluid flowing before the hydraulic cylinder starts to move the arm on the outdrive. So, is this correct, or could something else be going on? (He also said if it was any tighter I could flip boat over when I turned on plane? But he never saw how far you can turn the wheel before anything happens.) I would SO appreciate an explanation if this is actually how it’s supposed to be, or if not, how I might go about improving it. I have driven many outboards, and we’ve had a jet boat for about 15 years (which is also difficult to control at slow speed) but not an outdrive. I am willing to live with it if it’s just this way (like pretty much everyone says). But I bet you know. Thanks in advance! Bob

 

[Jimmy Buoy]

Thanks for the reply. Not really an expert on how Merc's hydraulic steering works. Could it be that once the engine is running (and the steering pump along with it) it might be more responsive with the same test?

 

[techmitch]

Thanks for the reply. Not really an expert on how Merc's hydraulic steering works. Could it be that once the engine is running (and the steering pump along with it) it might be more responsive with the same test?

This is correct. Older cars used to use almost the exact type of system, less the cable of course. It mounted to the frame and attached to the steering linkage. We used to call it hang on power steering.

 

[bobpeltz]

Thanks both of you for your replies. Sounds logical. It looks like I will just have to wait for warmer weather to check. Appreciate it!