Lake Houston Fishing!

the wife doesn't like driving the boat, due to the hard steering. Seems the boat wants to pull to the right, especially under load. You definitely don't want to let go of the steering wheel while traveling...
while out of the water, the boat motor turns quite easily both directions, however, once in the water and in gear...that is another story.
200HP Johnson outboard... is there a trim setting somewhere that needs to be adjusted? or do i simply need to invest in power steering?
this is becoming a deal breaker for the wife...
and for me...if the wife ain't happy, ain't nobody in the family happy.

The boat may be easier to steer in one direction or the other do to steering forces
or other reasons. To check this , run the boat in a straight line with a balanced load.
in an area where current and wind will not be a factor.
A single trim tab adjustment will only relieve steering effort under one set of speed,
trim and load conditions . No single setting can relieve steering efforts under all speed,
trim and load conditions.

1. turn the wheel in both directions to determine the direction that requires the least amount
of steering effort.

2. loosen the trim tab . if the boat
If the boat pulls to port. move the rear of trim tab to port.
if the boat pulls to starboard , move rear of trim tab to starboard.

reference numbers, 0-6 are embossed on the trim tab for ease of adjustment.
aline the reference number with the recessed screw or the embossed line.
tighten trim tab screw and recheck steering effort in both directions.

repeat procedure until steering effort is equal in both directions.

mark the starting place of the trim tab . move it only a little at a time by the numbers.

not all the way like the man in this video says to do.

once finished final adjustment tighten the trim tab screw to a torque 120-144 in. pounds.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gkaBQmsibE

THIS MAY ALSO HELP AND EVERYONE SHOULD DO IT ONCE A YEAR.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Go62rQmeeVA

Also the trim of the motor (up and down) will affect how the boat tracks. Get out on the lake with the motor trimmed all the way down. It should pull to the right at speed. Then just start trimming it up until it tracks straight. That is how I do it on mine (plus I have the trim tab set right).

_________________
Dutch
"Spider Man"

"Retired fishing" is just being out in the boat whenever you want.... and getting a Dairy Queen on the way home

Depending on the type of hull it may require a no feed back steering system....
I recently replace mine & the place sold me a non no feed back system even after I wad told it was no feed back.
After my 1st trip out I called them & told them there was no way it was no feed back since if I let the wheel go it would want to do a donut.....
They had to order the right one so I took it off & got the right one & it works perfect, stays right where I take my hand off the wheel....

_________________
FISH BITE WET HOOKS

ENJOY THE HUNT OR STAY HOME

REGARDLESS OF HOW MANLY YOU THINK YOU ARE WEARING A PFD CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE....

Check Out Some Good Crappie Vids Here....
https://www.youtube.com/user/fishingorhunting

"2. loosen the trim tab .
If the boat pulls to port. move the rear of trim tab to port.
if the boat pulls to starboard , move rear of trim tab to starboard"

The boat pulls starboard or to the right. According to the directions, the rear of this tab needs to move right...
If I understand correctly, if the trim tab is at 12 O'clock now, it will turn towards 2 O'clock. Does this sound correct?

that is correct move the rear of trim tab in the direction of boat pull.
that is why you should mark the starting point . if you move one way and it
helps move it more that way. if it gets worse move it the other direction.
if neither direction helps you can always move it back to the starting point.
either way you should do this at the lake because you will have to do it
several times a little at a time to get the best results. test run between
each movement.

Thank you for this post. It reminded me I have to make some adjustments on my Kayak rudder steering cable before I use the kayak again. The cable has stretched and is close to fraying and breaking. That would be terrible. I would have to paddle my way back.
Seriously, thank you for reminding me to do PM of my fishing equipment. Everyone who doesn't, should.

_________________
Keith Bodine
1st Cav 1966-1967 RVN
Door Gunner
http://www.hack1966.com
Courage is being scared to death, but saddle's up anyway
John Wayne