Steering under load
 

Good day all, I bought a 1996 Shabah 200 mid season last year. Boat seems in good condition except for minor cosmetics. The last time I took it out last year I ran into an issues once I was up to decent speed the boat was extremely had to turn to the left, no problems turning to the right. At low speeds no issues with turning at all only under load and the longer I drove it the harder it seemed to be to turn to the right.

Any suggestion as to where to start would be appreciated.

Re: Steering under load
 

Do you have a mercruiser maintenance manual? There is a few maintenance recommendations for the steering system
If not , I could take a picture of the page and text it to you.

sixonesix 5fourzero03fiveone

Re: Steering under load
 

I do not the boat did not come with any manuals, I did download the boat manual from the site but did not go into a lot of detail .

I would appreciate any help you could lend, number is 770-634-9254

Thanks
Sal

Re: Steering under load
 

Do you have the Alpha drive? If so, it will have a torque tab fin just above the prop. Make sure it is not loose or pointed to one side too much. It is used to offset the torque of the outdrive so that steers evenly. If you rev the engine a bit when out of gear (2000 rpm), can you still steer it evenly?

Also, you made contradictory statements about the hard steering direction, once it is left and later it is right. Which direction is the harder steering?

Re: Steering under load
 

Sorry about the contradictory statements, it is only to the left when sitting in drivers seat, and only underload, 1500 rpm it is fine in both directions.

Thanks for the pics, I will check it out and see how it looks.

Sal

Re: Steering under load
 

First I want to thank you for all your help, I do not have the stren drive you sent pics of, I have attached 2 pics of the drive.

Thanks
Sal