Steering wheel alignment

[csteen]

I noticed recently that in order for me to go straight I need to have my steering wheel tuned to the left about a half a turn regardless of wind or water conditions. There is no damage to the prop or rudder. No noticeable difference in the performance of the boat. Just bugs me (perhaps my OCD is coming out). Any thoughts as to why?

[MooseX]

unbolt it and move it up a few notches..5 min

[kko]

center up the rudder and steering wheel. Then turn the wheel to where it is offest when you are driving. Get under the helm area you will see a black rectangle (call it the rack) bolted to the steering helm assy. Loosen the 4 7/16 headed bolts about 90% of the way so that the rack can be disengaged from the helm. While it is disengaged turn the steering wheel back to center then reinstall the rack. Drive the boat and see how it is. Sometimes it takes a couple of trys. Hope this helps.


Just reread your post you didnt ask how to fix it you asked why.Well since you didnt mention what boat you have. Dont have alot of info to go on. How long have you owned boat? How old is boat? Ever had a steering cable replaced? If its a new boat could be as simple as it never got done right at the factory. Not common but it could happen. If its and older boat the cable could have been replaced and never centered. Give more info on year make and model of boat and any service records of steering repair.

[scoot18]

Having a centered steering wheel on a v drive or inboard boat is an illusive posession. You must decide if you want it straight while at speed or for no wake scenarios. Either way it will never be perfect. So before making any adjustments decide which one you prefer. You can get it close, but as you are already aware of, wind and weighting of the boat influence this drastically. I would agree with you on the OCD. I'm sure others will chime in and advise you of the same thing. Keep in mind a centered steering wheel is only visual asstetics and in the end realy doesn't matter when it comes to steering of the boat, so the question is, adjust the boat or fix the driver?

Good luck.....