VDrive steering - Help

[Creekwood]

I am looking at a Sea Ray 330 vDrives and on sea test I found the steering at speed to be VERY heavy. Is this normal? I guess they have hydraulic steering but is it supposed to be very hard to turn the wheel full over when running at speed?

 

[fc3]

No, it's not hard to turn the helm at any speed. It's not effortless like power steering on a car from the 60s, but it's not hard at all. Are you sure the boat has hydraulic steering? It was an option and a few dealers would order boats without it so they could offer it at a cheaper price.

Best regards,
Frank

 

[carterchapman]

My '05 340 has hydraulic steering, but not power hydraulic steering. It's heavy at planing cruise speeds.

 

[FireIsland1]

check for hydraulics. If it has hydraulic then the rudders may not be lined up properly. This will cause heavy steering at high speed but not low speed

 

[Alegria]

At cruise ours is hard to go hard over to the lock. Coming from stern drives this was a bit of a change for me. It gets very hard the last 1/2 turn to the wheel lock. This is at 3300 rpms, I just chalk it up to inboards and all that thrust on the rudders.

 

[Creekwood]

So, it seems like this might be the new normal (moving from stern drives for me). I would not want to have to make a fast evasive turn though, Its really stiff to turn. I would need two hands and firm hold to even get the wheel turned hard over full. It surprises me that this would be the design.

 

[BadaBingII]

When I went from stern drives to my first inboard (330 Sundancer) , I too thought that the feel of the steering felt heavy by comparison. I believe you can add a power steering option if this is too troublesome for you. I eventually got used to it as I generally cruise pretty big water and don't turn the wheel all that much. In the harbor I use the wheel very little. Mostly shifters and throttles to turn.

Regards,

Jeff

 

[dpmulvey]

FC3 is your steering power assist. Mine is hydraulic and is stiff as well; at all speeds. Any comments as to what would cause this.

BTW, this is my first I/B. All my other boats have been I/O or straight OB.

If it is fixable, I would like any advice. I am coming out of the water tomorrow for maintenance.

 

[fc3]

I have the Teleflex hydraulic steering that Sea Ray installed on the 330DA as an $1,200 option. It's not light, but I can turn the helm with one hand without issues. I never though that it was heavy. Had a few little kids sit next to me and drive. The seems OK with it, too.

Best regards,
Frank C