Engine / Steering Movement On Their Own - What??

[Springfieldguy]

Hi friends;
Have an interesting one for you regarding our 2022 115 Pro XS CT and Hydraulic Steering.
While putting the boat in storage a few weeks ago, I noticed that the Engine was "Hard-over" to the RH side rather than centered as it was when I took off the travel support. Asked the boss (wife) if she was using the steering. She said No. I straightened out the engine and completed the storage stuff and left. Came back yesterday to charge-up batteries and noted the engine was turned about half-way to Starboard. Put it back to center position again. On humorous side, we do not have the Auto-pilot as in the movie Airplane... So, best I can figure is that it may have something to do with the Hydraulic Steering Unit being off somehow. What, I do not know. Also have an engine Pro-Trim but it is out of the way of the boat cover lying on it. If you have any ideas, I would really appreciate your opinions.

 

[RippnLipz]

My guess would be the weight of the engine just pulling it to one side while it travels or sits. With hydro steering steering stops are recommended for tow for this reason. https://www.amazon.com/Outboard-Hyd...cphy=9032424&hvtargid=pla-2248033066318&psc=1 (these clamp on each side of steering rod at the motor to secure it. Measure the length of the rod on each side when motor is at center to get proper length stops)
Make sure you dont have any dead spots in your steering for sure...this could be a sign of air bubbles or a leak in system. These systems can suck air in without showing signs of fluid leaks when seals start to fail. Slowly rotate steering from one side to the other while watching motor, making sure it does not stop moving while you are steering. Your pro trim lever would just trim the motor up/down so I dont think its a factor. If you do notice a dead spot...take it in for service immediately....you dont want to loose steering while on the water.

 

[Springfieldguy]

Thank y6ou very much for your detailed reply. Will check these out on steering and linkage.

 

[Thomas Teller]

Well isn't a little drift one side other normal anyway, especially for larger powerheads >200HP?

 

[Larry Williams]

Thank y6ou very much for your detailed reply. Will check these out on steering and linkage.

I made a pair of these out of 1" PVC pipe years ago. I just cut a slot the length of each piece down the side slightly tighter that the rod thickness so it can snap on and off easily, drilled a 1/4" hole in each side piece connected a small cord, between the two tying a knot on the inside of each pvc piece. Never have had any issue with it.

 

[Springfieldguy]

Hi friend; Thanks for the tip on making these spacers. Going out to BPS today so I will check their price on Spacer vs Home Depot Plumbing Dept
1" PVC Tubing. Have an idea who wins this one! Have used PVC on many boat projects before. Thanks again.

Have to note: As we set the boat for Winter storage, I had previously left the Motor/transom Support attached until the last. Then took it off to lower the Motor. This time I took it off at the start. So perhaps as the Motor was free, so to speak, when jacking the Trailer up on one side and then the other, the engine may have turned from it's own weight. Anyway, I will add the Spacers to the steering for both towing and storage. Regards.

 

[Larry Williams]

Thank y6ou very much for your detailed reply. Will check these out on steering and linkage.

You are welcome! These devices aren't all that expensive but it was simple fix and I already had the materials. Plus, if you happen to lose them they are easily replaced for cheap.