2017 RZX3 Stiff Steering

[duanehortman]

Anyone experience any stiff steering out of your boat? Only under load. Didn’t know if that was expected. This is my first Inboard.
575 Raptor Engine


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[bsreid]

Under load when taps 3 is engaged or just when weighted down? The taps 3 plates will make the steering a little stiff because they’re crabbing the boat over too one side.

[chpthril]

Smart Wheel? I think there is a TSB about it. I also think there is a TSB regarding the rudder.

[duanehortman]

Yes Smart Wheel. And anytime I am giving it throttle Surfing or Cruising.


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[Surf406]

I’m gonna say measure your rudder and post up pics on here I know that some of the 2017s had a recall on the rudders and the biggest issue was hard steering and if that’s not the issue my next place to look would be as mentioned above

[LTWellman]

It's your rudder, this is a known issue with the 17's ....mine went back to the facttory for 2 months to get the rudder replaced, steering was horrible, but only under load, not at idle.
Not sure how it passed the lake test @ the factory, but from day 1, it was stiff, add weight to surf or board and it became almost unturnable without both arms.

[freeheel4life]

Like LT said, if it needs the rudder replacement steering the boat is a 2 handed affair. If its dragging and stiff it may be smartwheel. If its only just harder to steer with full weight and is fine the rest of the time Id be curious to find out if you are running additional lead or other weight. Also if your auto bilge ever runs occasionally.
18c nailed it as well. Just measure your rudders length. I believe the one you dont want is a full inch and change longer than the one you want and will help narrow down if you need a rudder swap.