Shake down cruise in my "new to me" 1997 Shabah
 

I finally picked my boat up this last friday. I went to the lake today for a little shake down cruise to find out what works and what doesn't. Everything worked great and I am happy with my purchase. I got a great deal on the boat as I purchased the boat from a bank after a repo, so I am really excited that it is in good condition.

I do have one question about the outdrive steering. My two previous boats were a direct drive ski boat and a V-drive wakeboard boat. Both of those had a stationary prop with a rudder. When I drove my Mariah today the steering worked ok, but the steering felt stiff. I'm not sure if that is because I was used to just turning a rudder vs an outdrive. I'm also not sure if I have power steering or not. I have the carbed 5.7L with the Alpha drive. There is a power steering pump on the motor, but I don't know if that is used for steering or something else on an outdrive. Should an outdrive steer harder than a direct drive or do I have a problem with the steering?

Thanks for any help.

Re: Shake down cruise in my "new to me" 1997 Shabah
 

I too came from the ski/wakeboard boat world!

IMO, the steerting is "stiffer" with outdrive boats than with direct drive boats...just look at what you are moving when you steer as compared to your ski boat! :)

Steering shouldn't be "hard", but firm. It will "lighten" up a bit when you are under way.

Enjoy your new purchase, Mariah really built a really good boat!

Re: Shake down cruise in my "new to me" 1997 Shabah
 

Your 5.7 definitely has power steering (it's standard on all but the 3.0). Did you check the fluid? Any strange noises? Your feeling of more resistance could easily be the fact that you're used to an inboard type setup only turning the rudder. But, you may want to have a mechanic look over the whole thing when you have it serviced next time.

Re: Shake down cruise in my "new to me" 1997 Shabah
 

Re: Shake down cruise in my "new to me" 1997 Shabah
 

I'll get it checked. Thanks guys.