Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by fossilhunter on 04/09/21 - 5:49 PM

Hi ! I have a Montauk 170 2019 with a 115 Mercury outboard 17 '. When i raise my motor all the way up while its not running of course and turn the motor full left no problem. while turning it full right i hear and feel a fairly loud knocking . This comes from both the motor shaking as well as the steering wheel . This does not happen while turning the motor in the down position. Why am i doing this to start with ? Watching the BAYSTAR web site tutorial on inspecting the Hydraulic steering unit . oil leaks, pitting Etc.
Thank you ! Any ideas ? Problem or nothing to worry about?
Mike

Edited by fossilhunter on 04/09/21 - 5:54 PM

Posted by Phil T on 04/10/21 - 5:22 AM

Have you already checked the fluid level?
Is this the first run of the year?

Take a video of it happening with your phone (1-2 minutes), copy it to your Google drive, mac iCloud or other host site and then paste a link into this thread.

If you need technical assistance on this, send me a DM.

Posted by fossilhunter on 04/10/21 - 8:45 AM

Thanks for responding Phil T
Yes I did check the fluid it seems to be fine.
I just got the boat back from having my 300 hr service.
I have not put it in the water this year yet. Hopefully monday.
I will take a short clip later.
Thanks , Mike

Posted by fossilhunter on 04/10/21 - 11:56 AM

Hey Phil T
I just tried to film and send a short clip of the hydraulic steering problem with clunking. It's different today. Not as bad but happens in both directions. perhaps self healing ? Had a bubble to work out in the system ? At any rate i had a problem sending a short clip. Perhaps I'll put her in the water on Monday and try a short run.
Seems to work fine in the down position and slightly trimmed up as well.
Good plan maybe ?
Thanks again Phil T
Mike

Posted by Phil T on 04/10/21 - 5:01 PM

Given it's the first run of the season, give it some hard use. There may be a slight bit of air that will work its way out.

300 hours in 2 years is a good sign you have quality time on the water.

Let us know.

Posted by fossilhunter on 06/15/21 - 5:39 AM

Hey Phil
When I had the 300 hr service on my outboard it was at 225 hrs. I know i jumped the gun a bit but I'm now at 247 hrs. i love cruising on the Potomac where i have a slip at a local club. There are several spots along the river where i like to stop at that are some distance apart. Crab house, fossil coliecting , friends house on the water , fishing spots ect. so expect to pack on some more hrs soon. so went ahead with the extra service that the 300 hrs offers.
As far as the knocking on the motor while turning in the up position a local boat mechanic checked it out and stated as i hoped that it should be fine and as with all things on a boat to keep my eye on it and go from there.
it would be interesting to me if others with a similar set up with an outboard and hydraulic system also have the same knocking while turning in the up position.
Thanks for all the feedback. very much appreciated !
Mike

Posted by Phil T on 06/15/21 - 8:31 AM

It reads to me as air in the system after non-use. If it continues. shoot a video and send it to me (email in my profile) and I will add it to the thread.

Hope to visit the Potomac this summer.