Steering Wheel Shimmy at low speeds

[Sicktght311]

Took the boat out yesterday and everything seemed totally fine. Started her up to head back, no weird engine noises or any noises in general, but as we were heading out under low throttle (no wake speed under 6mph) the steering wheel had a weird shimmy every time i turned it. If i was just keeping her straight, it was fine, but while turning the wheel it almost felt like the wheel was pulsing or surging. Once i throttled up and we were cruising, i didnt feel anything at all, and i dont think i really felt anything when we came back down off plane to get back into our slip, but my brain was also elsewhere so i'm not sure if i didnt notice because it was gone, or because i wasnt paying attention. Will have to check again next time i'm out.

Any thoughts?

 

[Pirate Lady]

I/O? Don’t worry about it. They do weird stuff at low speed. Hows it feel on plane?

 

[Sicktght311]

I/O? Don’t worry about it. They do weird stuff at low speed. Hows it feel on plane?

Feels totally normal on plane. Just weird to never feel any weird vibration/shimmy/jitteryness in my steering wheel before, and have it show up randomly

 

[Pirate Lady]

I dont read too much into that stuff, truly. When it breaks you will know. Boats do weird stuff. I had a mechanic tell me 3 years ago a vibration was my coupler going. 3 years later, boat still running fine. When if it goes it goes, will fix it then.

 

[Pirate Lady]

Feels totally normal on plane. Just weird to never feel any weird vibration/shimmy/jitteryness in my steering wheel before, and have it show up randomly

Tell ya story. 2022, boat developed a bad weird vibration at 1400 to 1600 rpm only in that range. Shook the cabin door and cockpit floor. He Ignored all summer. Come 2023 after out all winter, boat goes back in, no vibrations. None. Boats are weird.

 

[Highliner]

Air in your hydraulic steering system will feel like that. Check the fluid level at the helm, you may jave a small leak.

 

[techmitch]

Air in your hydraulic steering system will feel like that. Check the fluid level at the helm, you may jave a small leak.

I agree on checking the power steering fluid level although the OP has a BIII drive, so his pwr. str. pump will most likely be on the engine.

 

[Sicktght311]

This might actually make total sense as the last time i went out, i had a bit of tan sandy/coffee colored water in my bilge. I thought it was just dirty water from when it had last rained and some got in the bilge. Guess its time for me to check the power steering system ugh.