Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 06-30-2019, 02:32 AM   #1
Ensign
 
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 12
Default 3rd noob question - difficult steering??

Hey y'all, another noob question. The steering on my 1996 Maxum 1700R is HORRIBLE, I'm, not kidding, its like trying to churn a 50gal drum of peanutbutter with a plastic spoon . At low speeds, it's easy, and out of the water, even easier (so no obvious mechanical problems), but even at 20mph+ (not towing) full turns take full muscle, and after a while I'm exhausted.

What the hell could this be?? Is this just shear physics 101, or could there be a legitimate steering issue here? Any ideas?

Thanks in advance for all the input gang.
__________________

Stalefish is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-30-2019, 03:15 AM   #2
Admiral
 
mmwjr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Essex, Maryland
Posts: 10,175
Default

Does the boat have power assist. Either way the steering cable may be bad. Have you greased the guide tube where the cable attaches to the steering arm? See Mercruiser manual under Documents for your engine. You can try disconnecting the cable to see if the drive moves freely and the wheel is still hard to turn which indicates a bad cable.
__________________

__________________
1997 Silverton 362, 7.4 Crusaders
1997 2400 SCR, 5.7 Vortec / Bravo 2

Mike
mmwjr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-30-2019, 06:21 AM   #3
Ensign
 
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 12
Default

No power assist on this engine. I'll crawl up under the dash in the morning and have a look at that cable again, but the manual for this boat in the documents section is practically useless, unfortunately...

I did see that my Drive Oil reservoir is was low, but that shouldn't cause a steering issue, right?
Stalefish is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-30-2019, 11:29 AM   #4
Admiral
 
mmwjr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Essex, Maryland
Posts: 10,175
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Stalefish View Post
No power assist on this engine. I'll crawl up under the dash in the morning and have a look at that cable again, but the manual for this boat in the documents section is practically useless, unfortunately...

I did see that my Drive Oil reservoir is was low, but that shouldn't cause a steering issue, right?
Yes gear lube lever has no impact on steering. The manual you want under Documents is the Mercruiser Alpha manual, very detailed and covers the steering at the inner transom plate connection. Under the helm you either have a rack and pinion or rotator style steering.
__________________
1997 Silverton 362, 7.4 Crusaders
1997 2400 SCR, 5.7 Vortec / Bravo 2

Mike
mmwjr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-30-2019, 12:32 PM   #5
Captain
 
jrsick's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Chesapeake, VA
Posts: 556
Default

Your steering is likely sheer physics 101, but there are some things you can do and check.
First do the check that Mike suggested.
Look around your steering column to see if you have a steering friction knob or bolt. Back it off a little if there is one and see if it changes the friction. There are many different types of friction setup so I can't tell you exactly what to look for.
I found that smart tabs made steering easier on my 18 ft. Smart Tabs lift the stern of the boat slightly.
Left turns are easier than right turns with a right-hand rotating prop. Plan to do left hand racetracks when towing tubers and skiers.
When looking for manuals on this site, make sure you go to the mercruiser service manual vice Maxum owners manual section. The service manual is exceptionally helpful.
jrsick is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-30-2019, 10:15 PM   #6
Admiral
 
Phillbo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Lake Powell
Posts: 1,613
Default

Sounds like something in the outdrive is binding under torque....
Phillbo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-01-2019, 03:26 PM   #7
Ensign
 
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 12
Default

I downloaded the correct manual now - going to go through it tonight. The Smart Tabs look pretty slick. For those reading this thread, here's a video for them.
According to their site, I'll need SX9510-60 - 9.5"x10" Plates / 60lb. Actuators for my 17ft.
jrsick, were they easy to install, and do you have any recommendations/suggestions for them?

Thank you for all of the suggestions fellas.
Stalefish is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-01-2019, 04:51 PM   #8
Captain
 
jrsick's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Chesapeake, VA
Posts: 556
Default

The smart tabs are easy enough to install. Just make sure they don't get in the way of your tie down straps when you are trailering.
jrsick is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-01-2019, 05:23 PM   #9
Ensign
 
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 12
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by jrsick View Post
The smart tabs are easy enough to install. Just make sure they don't get in the way of your tie down straps when you are trailering.
Right. I also assume they come with detailed installation instructions?
Reading all the reviews on Amazon, they are worth their weight in gold. Well worth the $126 investment. Just bought a set! Thank you!
Stalefish is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-03-2019, 02:11 AM   #10
Ensign
 
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 12
Default

So I got the Smart Tabs, but have a problem. The starboard side has the ladder so the shock absorber of that tab will be attached to the transom wall. The port side tab has the deck above too low (no gap in the transom deck for a ladder) so the shock absorber will be attached to the underside of the deck, as opposed to the transom wall. Which means one shock will be attached to the boat 90° different than the other.

The $50,000 question is: DOES THAT MATTER?
Stalefish is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-03-2019, 02:13 AM   #11
Ensign
 
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 12
Default

https://m.imgur.com/gallery/sij6FY2
Stalefish is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-05-2019, 06:45 PM   #12
Captain
 
jrsick's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Chesapeake, VA
Posts: 556
Default

You'll probably need to contact Nauticus customer support to get the answer to your question.
It seems to me like you need the same amount of downward force on each tab, or you might create a list. I am not certain however.
__________________

jrsick is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3

All times are GMT. The time now is 08:01 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.